Animals of the Arctic

(Katousha 2020).

Overview

The Artic is home to an eclectic mix of animal species; from the mighty polar bear to the small polar hare the Artic region is as diverse as it majestic. An interesting fact is that there are no reptiles in the Arctic, as they cannot survive the temperatures (Ingold and Moira 2020). Most Arctic animals have evolved to have a lighter color of fur coats to better adapt to their snowy environment. 

Hibernation and Migratory Patterns

Despite what many may assume, Arctic animals do not hibernate as there are no frost-free areas to “sleep” in. Instead, when the winter months come, the carnivores of the area head to the shore to feed on seal and fish while the omnivores feed on the fauna. (Ingold and Moira 2020).

There are some migratory patterns between the caribou and the musk ox, which migrate only a short distance. The musk ox, unlike the caribou, have been restricted only to the North American Arctic region, which includes the Northern portion of Greenland, sue to being, “on the defensive in the evolutionary sense.” They are then referred to as a “refugee” species. (Ingold and Moira 2020).