“Why can Arctic seals live in freezing environments?” – The article explores the four main reasons that help Arctic seals survive in frozen waters.
1. Adaptation to cold environments
Seals are mammals that are well adapted to cold environments. They have thick fur and subcutaneous fat that helps retain heat and protect them from the cold. In addition, they can also create breathing holes in the sea ice so they can take in air without having to return to the water.
Seals often hunt and breed on sea ice. They create breeding burrows in the snow to protect their young from cold and natural enemies such as polar bears. Sea ice also provides habitat and hunting habitat for seals.
Climate change is affecting seal habitat. Melting sea ice will affect their ability to reproduce and hunt. This threatens the future existence of seals.
Human activities such as fishing and oil exploration also pose a threat to seals. Overuse of marine resources can lead to a reduction in seal numbers and affect the ecological balance in the Arctic region.
2. The body structure is suitable for freezing water
2.1. Body structure of ribbon seals
The body of the ribbon seal is designed to reflect its suitability for the freezing environment. They have thick, sturdy fur to keep them warm in cold environments and can create breeding burrows in the snow to protect their young. In addition, they have powerful claws to dig breathing holes on the surface of frozen water.
2.2. Body structure of spotted seal
Spotted seals also have a body structure suitable for freezing water environments. They have thick fur that helps keep them warm and create breeding burrows in the snow. Spotted seals' claws are also very strong, helping them dig breathing holes on the surface of frozen water.
2.3. Body structure of the walrus
Walruses have a body structure suitable for living on frozen water all year round. They have thick, sturdy fur, as well as powerful claws for digging breathing holes. Walruses' large bodies also help them maintain body temperature in cold environments.
3. Ability to move flexibly under cold water
Ribbon seals and spotted seals have the ability to move flexibly under cold water. They can dive to great depths, with the ability to dive up to hundreds of meters. This allows them to forage in cold water tanks at quite great depths, including fish and invertebrates such as cephalopods.
3.1. Ribbon seal
Ribbon seals have the ability to move flexibly under cold water, allowing them to search for food in cold, deep water environments. This helps them maintain life and thrive in the harsh environment of the Arctic.
3.2. Spotted seal
Similarly, spotted seals also have the ability to move flexibly under cold water. They can dive to great depths to find food and maintain life in the cold water environment of the Arctic.
4. Growth of thick and warm fur
4.1. Growth of thick hair
The seal's thick, warm fur is an important part of its adaptation to the cold climate of the Arctic. During the development stage, the seal's fur will become thicker and smoother to retain body heat while living on sea ice. This process takes place from infancy to adulthood and is an important part of helping them survive in cold environments.
4.2. Warm for seals
The thick fur provides a good layer of insulation, keeping the seal warm in harsh climatic conditions. In addition, the thick layer of fat under the skin also helps insulate and keep the seal's body warm, especially when they have to come into direct contact with cold water.
4.3. The importance of a thick, warm coat
Thick and warm fur not only helps seals maintain a stable body temperature in cold environments but also plays an important role in protecting them from the dangers of starvation and lack of water. This makes coat development and insulation extremely important to the seals' survival in the harsh Arctic environment.
Arctic seals can live in freezing waters thanks to their thick fur and body protective layer of fat, the ability to breathe underwater and the mechanism to maintain body temperature. This shows this animal's excellent adaptation to the harsh Arctic environment.
