What is the scientific classification of polar bears?
The taxonomic or scientific classification defines the animals biologically on the basis of their common characteristic behavior or adaptation. All animals in the world have something in common (to the other) which makes them related species. These related animals are grouped in the same class or order.
Why are polar bears considered mammalian?
Class Mammalia. Polar bears belong to the class mammalia because they possess mammalian trait s. Mammalian traits include mammary glands and female bear nurse their young with milk. The milk is secreted from the mammary glands.
What is the most carnivorous animal in the Ursidae family?
Polar bear is the most carnivorous animal of Ursidae family whereas giant panda eats only bamboo. A family is a taxonomic classification of organism and it is one of the taxonomic ranks that falls between order and genus in the hierarchical classification.
What is the name of the polar bear?
The binomial name of polar bears is Ursus maritmus. The binomial nomenclature is another way or perhaps biological way of describing any living species into two parts. The binomial or scientific name is also known as Latin Name.
What is the meaning of the word "ursus"?
The family Ursidae includes genus Ursus. Polar bears, black bears, and brown bears occur in the genus Ursus. The literal meaning of the word ursus in Latin is bear.
What is the division of animalia?
The major division of kingdom animalia is vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates have backbone while invertebrates lack one. Only 5% of all animal species are vertebrates. This includes mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish. Polar bears fall into the category of mammals.
What is the kingdom of animals?
Kingdom Animalia. Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms. They possess the ability to move independently. All animals in the world eat other animals to survive and that is how the entire kingdom exists. The major division of kingdom animalia is vertebrates and invertebrates.
How fast can a polar bear swim?
Scientists have tracked polar bears swimming continuously for 100 km (62 mi.). On land they are capable of reaching speeds of 40 kph (25 mph) while running in short bursts.
How does a polar bear's coat help it stay warm?
A polar bear's black skin absorbs heat from the sun, helping it stay warm. In addition, the long guard hairs of a polar bears coat can trap a still layer of water in the under-fur and help insulate the bear's body while submerged; acting in a similar manner to a wetsuit.
What act protects polar bears?
As with other marine mammals found in the United States, the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 protects polar bears.
How much fat do polar bears need?
Adult polar bears need an average of 2 kg (4.4 lbs.) of fat per day to maintain their weight. Their diet includes mostly ringed and bearded seals and also includes other seal species, walruses, narwhals, beluga whales, whale carcasses, fish, reindeer, birds, eggs, berries and kelp. Incubation.
What do polar bears do at zoological parks?
Polar bears at zoological parks provide opportunities for the public to learn about these animals and how human activities may impact their survival. Scientists and specialists study polar bear biology, including polar bear reproduction, birth and care of young, and communication.
What color is a polar bear's fur?
The coat of a polar bear can appear in a number of color variations from pure white to creamy yellow to light brown, depending on season and angle of light. A polar bear's black skin absorbs heat from the sun, helping it stay warm.
How big are polar bears?
Male: Adult male polar bears, called boars, are substantially larger than adult females. Size. At birth, cubs are about 30 cm (12 in.) long.
How many species of bears are there?
All eight bear species belong to this family. Ursids are the largest of all terrestrial carnivores. The family is divided into three subfamilies, Ursinae (black bears, brown bears, polar bears, sun bears, and sloth bears), Tremarctinae (spectacled bears), and Ailuropodinae (giant pandas).
When were Ursids first found?
Ursids in the fossil record date back to the early Miocene in Asia, and the late Miocene in North America.
Is a polar bear a marine mammal?
Ursus maritimus is Latin for "sea bear". The polar bear is the only bear considered to be a marine mammal. It is only partially aquatic though, and the least aquatic of all marine mammals.
What agency is responsible for the viewing program in the village?
Fish and Wildlife has previously studied the impacts of the viewing program in the village, according to the agency's 2019 summary of the program. The agency has worked to address concerns raised by some village residents, according to the summary.
What is the mayor of Kaktovik?
Kaktovik Mayor Amanda Kaleak said the tourism has provided work for villagers and extra income for local artists. But some villagers, among other concerns, have had their privacy invaded by photo-snapping visitors. The tourists also compete for limited seats on small airplanes flying into and out of village, she said.
When is the polar bear season in Alaska?
The season runs from August to October. The secretarial order says the Alaska Native corporation, the tribe and local residents in the village have raised concerns that they can't successfully compete for the permits. Robert Thompson, president of the Kaktovik Polar Bear Captains Association and a guide himself, ...
Where are polar bear guides?
Federal order targets polar bear guides. Polar bear guides in the northeast Alaska village of Kaktovik are upset by a last-minute order from the Trump administration that appears to halt polar bear viewing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge until studies on its effects are completed. The guides are worried they'll undergo a second straight year ...
Who is the president of the Kaktovik Polar Bear?
Robert Thompson, president of the Kaktovik Polar Bear Captains Association and a guide himself, says the order implies that guides from cities outside the village are taking away opportunities from local residents. That's not true, he said: The boat touring operations, overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge manager, ...
When is the polar bear season in Alaska?
The season runs from August to October. The secretarial order says the Alaska Native corporation, the tribe and local residents in the village have raised concerns that they can’t successfully compete for the permits. Robert Thompson, president of the Kaktovik Polar Bear Captains Association and a guide himself, ...
Where are polar bear guides?
Polar bear guides in the northeast Alaska village of Kaktovik are upset by a last-minute order from the Trump administration that appears to halt polar bear viewing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge until studies on its effects are completed. The guides are worried they’ll undergo a second straight year of lost income, ...
Who is the Interior Secretary of Kaktovik?
Congress only earlier this month confirmed Deb Haaland as Interior secretary. Kaktovik Mayor Amanda Kaleak said the tourism has provided work for villagers and extra income for local artists. But some villagers, among other concerns, have had their privacy invaded by photo-snapping visitors.
Who is the president of the Kaktovik Polar Bear Captains Association?
Robert Thompson, president of the Kaktovik Polar Bear Captains Association and a guide himself, says the order implies that guides from cities outside the village are taking away opportunities from local residents.
Kingdom Animalia
Class Mammalia
- Polar bears belong to the class mammalia because they possess mammalian traits. Mammalian traits include mammary glands and female bear nurse their young with milk. The milk is secreted from the mammary glands.
Order Carnivora
- White bears belong to the order carnivora. They are the largest member of the mammalian order. The least weasel is the smallest mammal. The carnivore includes 280 placental mammals which qualifies it as the most diverse of the mammalian order. While most carnivorous animals rely on meat for their consumption there are some that are omnivores. Read More: Polar Bear Evolution
Suborder Caniformia
- The word Caniformia means ‘dog-like’ and it belongs to the order Carnivora. All carnivores in the suborder Caniformia are thought to possess non-retractile claws and long snout. These animals are mostly found in the northern Eurasia and North America. Polar bears are assigned the Caniformia suborder because they have non-retractable claws as well as long snout. Other anim…
Family Ursidae
- Bears belong to the Ursidae family which includes dog-like carnivorans. Polar bear is the most carnivorous animal of Ursidae family whereas giant panda eats only bamboo. A family is a taxonomic classification of organism and it is one of the taxonomic ranks that falls between order and genus in the hierarchical classification.
Genus Ursus
- The family Ursidae includes genus Ursus. Polar bears, black bears, and brown bears occur in the genus Ursus. The literal meaning of the word ursus in Latin is bear.
Binomial/Scientific Name Ursus maritimus
- The binomial name of polar bears is Ursus maritmus. The binomial nomenclature is another way or perhaps biological way of describing any living species into two parts. The binomial or scientific name is also known as Latin Name. In the scientific name of a polar bear the first part Ursusshows the genus to which the bear belongs whereas the second part makes it rather speci…
Scientific Classification
- Common Name
1. polar bear - Kingdom
1. Animalia
Fast Facts
- Description
1. Polar bears are the largest land carnivore. Adapted for the cold, polar bears have a thick fur coat that appears white in coloration, but is really translucent. Their black skin color is readily apparent on the nose, eyes, lips and footpads. In addition to their size and color, polar bears ma… - Size
1. At birth, cubs are about 30 cm (12 in.) long Male: 2.5 to 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft) long Female: 2 to 2.5 m (6.6 to 8.2 ft) long
Fun Facts
- Adapted for the cold, polar bears have a thick fur coat. The coat of a polar bear can appear in a number of color variations from pure white to creamy yellow to light brown, depending on season and...
- Polar bears are strong swimmers, paddling dog-style with their partially webbed front paws while holding their hind feet and legs flat like rudders. Scientists have tracked polar bears swi…
- Adapted for the cold, polar bears have a thick fur coat. The coat of a polar bear can appear in a number of color variations from pure white to creamy yellow to light brown, depending on season and...
- Polar bears are strong swimmers, paddling dog-style with their partially webbed front paws while holding their hind feet and legs flat like rudders. Scientists have tracked polar bears swimming con...
- Only female polar bears, especially pregnant females, enter into a state of carnivore lethargy or "hibernation." They do so from October or November through March or April. During hibernation, the...
- Unlike most other hibernators, female polar bears give birth while hibernating. Sows give birt…
Ecology and Conservation
- Polar bears at zoological parks provide opportunities for the public to learn about these animals and how human activities may impact their survival. Scientists and specialists study polar bear biology, including polar bear reproduction, birth and care of young, and communication. As with other marine mammals found in the United States, the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 19…
Bibliography
- Jefferson, T.J. Leatherwood, S. and M.A. Webber. FAO Species Identification Guide. Marine Mammals of the World. Rome. FAO, 1993. Nowak, Ronald M. (ed.). Walker's Mammals of the World. Vol. II. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. Parker, S. (ed.). Grizmek's Encyclopedia of Mammals. Vol. IV. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., 1990. Reeves, R. R., S…