Adaptations for polar regions

Animals:

• Animals in the Polar Regions are highly adapted for living in the coldest places of the world.

Walrus

• The polar bear has several adaptations to survive in the Polar Regions.
• White fur matches the surroundings (snow) making the polar bear hard to spot.

Polar bear

• Small ears and tail minimize heat loss from the body.
• Padded feet help the polar bear to walk on the snow.
• Thick fur and a layer of fat under the skin protect the polar bear from cold.

Plants:

• Plants found in the Polar Regions are short in height.
• They remain dormant for several months.
• The leaves are narrow like spines which shed rapidly.
• Plants also grow close to the ground and towards each other, a strategy that helps to resist the effects of cold weather and reduce damage caused by wind-blown snow and ice particles.