Different Fauna of the Arctic
Adaptations
The fauna of the arctic tundra have adapted to the climate through physical and behavioral adaptations. Many animals use cryptic coloration or camouflage to disguise themselves when stalking prey or hiding from predators. These fauna have fur that is white or white looking either permanently or during the winter months. Most species with fur have developed a type of fur that helps insulate them and keep heat from escaping and from cold getting in. A unique adaptation mainly found in the marine animals is blubber. Wet fur is a terrible insulator so animals that swim have developed a layer of fat that is under their skin which is great at keeping these animals from freezing. Land animals have not developed extremely thick layers of blubber as that much fat is very heavy and not practical for running. Birds also don't have blubber because they would become too heavy to fly. Many animals avoid being eaten or capture food through extreme stillness. When arctic hares detect predators, they either stop and stay still until the predator is gone or they flee. Snowy owls also hunt in this way. They perch on trees or rocks and wait patiently for their prey to come to them so they can catch them. Arctic fauna have successfully adapted to the severe climate of the arctic tundra.