Page 51 - World of Animals - Issue #41

Arctic wolf

Lights out Arctic vs grey:

Arctic wolves emerge from months without daylight bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the key differences
While most animals can only withstand the natural illuminations such as the moon or the
extreme climate of the Arctic tundra in summer, Northern lights, to navigate their way through
the Arctic wolf lives there all year round. Other the dark.
than the icy weather, Arctic conditions pose a Even more impressive than the Arctic wolf’s
challenge to the wildlife in the form of unusual eyesight is its tremendous sense of smell. Like
seasonal daylight patterns. During summer, other dogs, their noses can pick up on scents
the sun shines for 24 hours a day, while winter that humans don’t even register – their smelling
plunges the Arctic wolf’s habitat into several ability is said to be at least 1,000-times better
months of unremitting darkness. than ours. This means they can sniff out prey
So how do Arctic wolves make it through from over a kilometre (0.6 miles) away, and

the blackness of winter? Partly thanks to their follow their noses through the dark to find their
excellent eyes. These contain more rods – food, which is impressive in itself.
photosensitive cells that specialise in low-light Scent also serves an important role within Fur colour
situations – than the average mammalian eye. the wolf pack. Each wolf can identify its fellow The Arctic wolf’s majestic white coat is an
What’s more, wolves have large pupils, which pack members by the way they smell. Arctic obvious aesthetic difference that helps to
allow them to pick up on any available light and wolves also use scent to convey social status, distinguish them from grey wolves. Their
see through the gloom – they can therefore use health conditions and even emotions.
snow-coloured fur is a useful adaptation for

camouflage in the icy tundra. Despite their
“Even more impressive than their eyesight is name, the colour of grey wolf fur can vary
from reddish-brown to jet black.
their tremendous sense of smell – it is said to
be at least 1,000-times better than ours”

Facial features
The Arctic wolf’s shortened muzzle is
another adaptation that helps to minimise
exposure to the cold air. Their ears are
smaller than the grey wolf’s for the same
reason. While both Arctic and grey wolf
pups are born with blue eyes, these
develop into a golden-amber colour in
grey wolves and a darker shade of brown
in Arctic wolves.

Size
While Arctic wolves are generally smaller
than grey wolves, they are bulkier and
more compact overall, meaning that less
Due to their habitat, of their bodies are exposed to the cold
Arctic wolves live in air. The extra fat reserves stored by Arctic
complete darkness
during the winter wolves adds to their weight, and their thick
coats make them appear larger in winter.

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