Why do polar bears have black skin under white fur?
Quick Answer
Polar bears have black skin because it helps absorb heat from sunlight, while their fur and hollow hairs make them look white. The white appearance is mostly about light scattering, not pigment.
The Full Story
Polar bears live in extremely cold Arctic environments, where conserving heat matters. Their skin is black, which can help absorb solar radiation, while their dense fur traps insulation close to the body. The hairs themselves are translucent and hollow, and they scatter light in a way that makes the coat appear white or yellowish. This camouflage helps them blend into snow and sea ice while hunting seals. The combination of heat absorption and insulation is a classic mammalian adaptation to polar life.
Key Facts
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