A small, highly adapted carnivorous mammal native to Arctic and subarctic regions, characterized by seasonal coat color changes and remarkable cold tolerance.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Tundra ecosystems, Arctic coastal regions, polar desert landscapes across northern circumpolar territories in North America, Europe, and Asia
Ecological Role
Critical apex predator in Arctic food webs, controlling populations of small mammals and serving as prey for larger predators like polar bears and wolves
Morphology
SKIN COATThick, multilayered fur that changes color seasonally from white in winter to brown/gray in summer for camouflage
LIMBS WINGSShort, robust limbs with dense fur-covered paws for walking on snow and ice
HEAD SENSORYAcute hearing and olfactory capabilities, large eyes adapted for low-light conditions
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, typically 46-68 cm in length, weighing 2.5-9 kg, with rounded ears and short muzzle
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: https://unsplash.com/@r3dmax