Arctic Fox Adaptations to the Arctic Tundra
The arctic fox has many structural and internal
adaptations that enable it to survive the harsh cold in the tundra. It is small
and has very thick fur. Having small ears and being small helps it to reduce
heat loss by having a small surface area. The thick fur allows air to get
trapped and warmed which insulates the fox. During summer its coat changes to a
reddish brown because when the snow melts it needs to blend into its
surroundings. In winter the fox will develop a layer of fat which insulates its
body and internal organs. Its coat will become white and think and it even
grows fur on the bottom of its paws to stop it from getting cold. The arctic
fox can withstand and remain active at -50 degrees Celsius. It not only
survives at extremely cold temperatures but maintains a steady metabolic rate. Its
body also has a system of countercurrent heat exchange in its paws. This basically
means that when heat goes to the surface of the skin it is recycled instead of
dispersing out. Even after all of the adaptations the fox still only lives for
a few years due to the harsh climate.