Student Article
Here Are 11 Arctic Animals That Not Only Survive, But Also Thrive in the Freezing Polar Landscape
Apex (noun): The highest point.
Insulation (noun): Material or layers that prevent heat loss.
Cyclical (adjective): Repeating in cycles.
Carcass (noun): The dead body of an animal.
The Arctic is an unforgiving polar region where temperatures plunge below -30°F (-34°C), and ice dominates the landscape. Yet it is home to a fascinating array of animals, each uniquely adapted to endure and even thrive in these extreme conditions.
Polar Bear
As the Arctic’s apex predator, polar bears are built for survival. Their thick fat layer and water-repellent fur provide insulation against the cold. These solitary hunters rely heavily on sea ice to catch seals, their primary food source.
Walrus
Walruses, massive marine mammals, uses their iconic tusks — reaching lengths of 3 feet (1 m) — to haul themselves onto ice and defend territory. Thick blubber insulates them from frigid waters.
Lemming
Lemmings, though tiny, are vital to the Arctic food web. Their burrowing behavior beneath the snow provides shelter from predators. Their population booms fuel predator numbers, creating cyclical shifts in the ecosystem.
Musk Ox
Musk oxen are covered in two layers of insulating fur. Their powerful hooves allow them to break through snow to access plants. During mating season, males emit a musky odor to attract females.
Arctic Tern
Renowned for the longest migration of any bird, Arctic terns travel nearly 19,000 miles (30,000 kilometers) annually between their Arctic breeding grounds and Antarctic wintering areas.
Wolverine
Wolverines are ferocious scavengers that thrive in harsh conditions. With strong jaws and claws, they scavenge carcasses, even challenging larger predators for food.
Narwhal
Narwhals are known for their long, spiraled tusks, which contain millions of nerve endings. These tusks help them detect changes in water temperature and salinity.
Arctic Fox
Arctic foxes have a remarkable fur coat that shifts from white in winter to brown in summer. Their furry paws act as built-in snowshoes.
Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark holds the record as the longest-living vertebrate, with a lifespan of up to 400 years.
Snowy Owl
Snowy owls are skilled hunters with sharp eyesight. Unlike most owls, they often hunt during the day, swooping down on lemmings and other prey.
Arctic Wolf
The Arctic wolves' thick white fur helps them blend in with the snow. They hunt in packs, working together to take down caribou and musk oxen.
© Leoma Williams / Our Media
Apex (noun): The highest point.
Insulation (noun): Material or layers that prevent heat loss.
Cyclical (adjective): Repeating in cycles.
Carcass (noun): The dead body of an animal.