According to popular belief, polar bears and penguins live where there is a lot of snow and ice. This is so, but although these species prefer extreme conditions, they do not inhabit the same environment in the same environment. Polar bears like the Arctic, and penguins liked Antarctica. Let's take a closer look at where polar bears and penguins live.
Polar bears - habitat and habits
In their natural environment, polar bears live in the polar regions of the North Pole. These animals are well adapted to life in the conditions of the hard north with extremely low temperatures. Due to the impressive reserves of subcutaneous fat and thick fur, polar bears feel comfortable both on land and in ice water. Such a habitat does not prevent large predators from leading a full-fledged lifestyle.
Naturally, polar bears live in several countries, including Russia, Greenland, Canada, Alaska and Norway. Large predators do not have a tendency to migrate; they live in a specific area, preferring areas with open water, since fish is a favorite food of a polar bear.
In the summer, polar bears disperse due to fever. Some animals are found even at the north pole. Today, the number of these animals in comparison with previous years is small, but not critical, therefore it is too early to talk about the disappearance of the species from the face of the planet.
The polar bear is a large land predator. In nature, males weighing up to 800 kg are often found. The average male weight is 450 kg. Females weigh half as much, but significantly increase body weight before hibernation or during pregnancy. The brown bear is considered the closest relative of the white, therefore, the crossing of these species usually ends in success.
Features of seasonal behavior of polar bears
It is striking that polar bears do not have a hibernation period. They remain active throughout the year. With the approach of colds, animals are actively gaining subcutaneous fat.
The polar bears owe their name a shade of fur. In winter, animals use fur to mask. The quick wits of polar bears deserve special attention. Waiting for prey, these massive predators cover their nose with their paw, which is the only dark spot. In summer, the polar bear fur acquires a straw hue. This is the merit of ultraviolet rays.
I note that the polar bear has a multi-level “robe”. Black skin, perfectly absorbing solar heat, is covered with fluffy undercoat. The animal also has long protective hairs. They are transparent and characterized by excellent thermal conductivity.
Polar bears are unusually hardy. Contrary to decent body weight, animals move quickly, taking advantage of spasmodic running. Often in the pursuit of prey, the predator overcomes up to 500 meters.
The polar bear feels great in the water. Without a break, he swims up to 1 km. This animal also dives excellently. For five minutes he calmly engaged in spearfishing.
The diet of the polar bear includes fish, marine and land animals. Sometimes seals also fall on the predator’s table. Thanks to a decent supply of fat, he goes without food for a long time, but if luck smiled, he eats up to 20 kg of meat at once.
Polar bears do not drink.They get the necessary liquid for a full existence from food of animal origin. I note that due to the cold climate they do not have profuse sweating. So they practically do not lose moisture.
Penguins - habitat and habits
Penguins are funny birds. They have wings, but they do not fly. On land, they are awkward, but extremely graceful in water. Many people are of the opinion that they live only in Antarctica. This is not true. This part of the planet is inhabited by only 3 species, the rest of the species like warmer edges.
With the exception of the breeding and feeding period of offspring, penguins stay in the open sea of the southern hemisphere. The bulk of the birds are concentrated in the Antarctic and in the territory of nearby islands. In tropical latitudes, they appear in places with a cold current of the Galapagos Islands, which are located near the equator, are considered the northernmost habitat of penguins.
Where do penguins meet?
- Antarctica. The continent with a harsh climate, eternal ice and extremely low temperature has become an ideal place for the life of the Antarctic and Emperor penguins, as well as the species Adele. From the beginning of spring to mid-autumn, they live in the ocean, after which they return to land, unite in colonies, build nests, breed and feed offspring.
- Africa. The hot African coast, washed by the cold Bengal Current, was chosen by spectacled penguins. This species is incredibly sociable. It is not surprising that many tourists annually come to the Cape of Good Hope for an unforgettable experience with birds.
- Australia. The Australian or Blue Penguin lives here. It differs from other species with a modest mass and small growth - 1 kg and 35 cm, respectively. The largest number of representatives of the smallest species is concentrated on the island of Phillip Island. Travelers visit this place to enjoy the Penguin Parade. Small birds gather at the water's edge in small groups, after which the little mushroom march to burrows in the sandy hills.
- Argentina. On the Orkney and Shetland Islands, King Penguins live, which grow to a meter high. The authorities of Latin America in every way protect these birds, which contributes to an increase in population.
- New Zealand. Magnificent penguins - the rarest species - live on the local islands. Their distinguishing feature is couples. They are not going to the colony. Due to the small number of individuals, the species is protected.
- South atlantic. Golden-haired penguins are found on the coast of Chile, on the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego. Their huge colonies attract tourists with amazing singing males, which so attract females.
- Peru. The Peruvian coast, along which the cold current runs, is the home of the Humboldt Penguins. For various reasons, their numbers are decreasing every year, totaling 12 thousand pairs.
As you can see, there are a considerable number of penguin species, each of which lives in its own amazing corner. These birds are unique, and humanity simply must make sure that they continue to please us with a unique look and other individual characteristics.
Features of seasonal penguin behavior
Penguin lifestyle is extremely unusual. It is not surprising, because these flightless birds use wings as fins, and all parents take part in raising and feeding offspring.
In penguins, the courtship period ends with the establishment of offspring. The result of the joint efforts of a married couple is an egg. It needs protection from snow, otherwise under the influence of low temperature the offspring will die at the initial stage.
The female carefully lays the egg on the paws of the male and goes in search of food. Having received an egg, the male wraps the future baby with an abdominal fold. He will have to warm the egg for 2 months. Often, in order to preserve the offspring, the male resorts to the help of other members of the fellowship.
After the appearance of the baby, the male feeds him with milk, for the production of which the stomach and esophagus of the bird is responsible. Penguin milk is an incredibly nutritious fluid that contains 10 times more fat and protein than cow's milk.
While the father is caring for the child, the female catches squid and fish. The penguin's tongue is covered with "needles" turned in the direction of the pharynx. If the prey landed in its beak, it will not work.
Penguins hunt in flocks. Females gathered in a large company dive into the water and, opening their mouth wide, fly at a speed into a school of fish. After such a maneuver, a tidbit is necessarily in the mouth.
Upon return weight gain the female feeds the hungry family members. In her stomach, a caring mother brings up to 4 kg of half-digested food. The little penguin is transplanted on its mother's legs and eats brought delicacies for several weeks.
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Further, the role of the breadwinner rests on the shoulders of the male. Penguins feed babies once an hour, which contributes to the rapid depletion of supplies. Before the male returns, the little penguin already weighs several kilograms.
Where do polar bears and penguins live in captivity
Everyone who visited the zoo must have seen a polar bear. Spacious pens are equipped for these animals, where conditions are created that are most appropriate for the natural environment. We are talking about simulating a cold climate, creating ponds with ice water and snow shelters.
In animals living in captivity, fur sometimes acquires a green tint. This is because under the influence of high temperature, fur becomes an ideal medium for the propagation of algae.
In Central Europe, penguins are found exclusively in zoos. Administrators of some establishments organize “penguin marches” for visitors. Under the supervision of zoo workers, birds leave the enclosure for a walk. Such events are organized by the zoos of Edinburgh, Munich and other major cities in Europe.
Captive penguins often encounter a fungal infection that affects the airways. Therefore, for preventive purposes in the summer, birds are kept behind glass partitions.
Summarize. During today's investigation, we found that polar bears and penguins, contrary to popular belief, are not found on the same territory. By the whims of nature, they scattered to different ends of the planet. I think this is for the best, because white bears, due to their hunting nature, would not allow penguins to live peacefully. These birds and without bears have enough life problems and enemies. Remember this if you plan take the exam in biology. See you!
