Page 50 - World of Animals - Issue #41

Arctic wolf

Three things
to know about
Arctic wolves

A system called countercurrent
heat exchange keeps the Arctic
wolf’s insides warm. Cold blood
leaving extremities like the
paws is heated by warm blood
entering it. Penguins also use
this heat-retention method.
As they’re able to withstand
conditions that most other
predators can’t, Arctic wolves
have enormous territories
to hunt in. However, colder
weather also means less
prey, so they hunt in packs to
secure larger meals.
Grey wolves have yellow or
amber eyes, while Arctic wolves
have developed brown irises.
The darker shade acts as sun
protection for the eyes, helping
to counteract the sharp solar
glare caused by snow.

The Arctic wolf has
evolved to survive
in the harshest
of conditions
Masters of adaptation

To thrive in the Arctic, these canines call on some amazing evolutionary traits
Despite being incredibly similar to their cousin Arctic wolves call upon a variety of Beneath the fur lies a thick reserve of body
the grey wolf in terms of DNA, Arctic wolves evolutionary advantages to get by in this fat, which builds up during summer when food
have a number of physical adaptations that frigid landscape. Their most obvious defence is more abundant. As well as providing an extra
help them to survive in one of the world’s against the cold is their white coat of fur. This insulating layer against the elements, this fat
harshest wildernesses. comprises of two layers – a short first layer that helps the Arctic wolf to survive for long periods

The temperature of the Arctic tundra habitat helps to form a waterproof barrier against the without eating during the lean winter months.
that these wolves call home rarely reaches skin, and a longer outer layer that grows thicker Arctic wolves also have fur on their paws to
higher than -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees as the winter months progress. The result is a prevent freezing toes and to help maintain their
Fahrenheit). In fact, it’s so cold here that the powerful form of insulation, capable of keeping grip. With smaller ears than grey wolves, they
ground is permanently frozen, in a state known the Arctic wolf warm in some of the bitterest avoid losing heat from their head due to the
as permafrost. conditions imaginable. minimised surface area exposed to the cold.

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