Answer
Polar bears have large, wide paws with rough soles and sharp claws that help them grip snow and ice effectively. Their thick fur and flexible ankles also contribute to their ability to move steadily on slippery surfaces.
Solution
Polar bears are exceptionally adapted to their Arctic environment, and several of their physical characteristics help them maintain a strong grip on snow and ice:
1. **Large, Wide Paws**: Polar bears have enormous paws that distribute their weight more evenly across the snow, preventing them from sinking and providing better stability. The size of their paws acts like natural snowshoes.
2. **Non-Slip Footpads**: The soles of a polar bear's paws are covered with small bumps and ridges that enhance traction on slippery surfaces. This rough texture helps prevent slipping on ice and packed snow.
3. **Sharp Claws**: Polar bears have long, sharp claws that assist them in gripping icy surfaces and digging through snow. These claws provide additional grip when walking on slick terrain or when they need to catch prey.
4. **Thick Fur**: The dense fur on their paws not only provides insulation against the cold but also offers additional grip. The fur can help increase friction between their paws and the snow or ice, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
5. **Flexible Ankles**: Polar bears have flexible ankle joints that allow their paws to move independently, enabling them to better adapt their footing on uneven or shifting ice surfaces.
6. **Fat Padding**: Beneath their paws, polar bears have a thick layer of fat that adds cushioning and further aids in traction by providing a stable base when moving across icy terrain.
These combined adaptations make polar bears highly efficient at navigating their frozen habitat, ensuring they can move swiftly in search of food and traverse vast distances without losing grip on slippery surfaces.
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
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