Answer: Black
Some extra relevant information:
The color of a polar bear’s skin is actually black. Despite their iconic white fur, polar bears have black skin underneath. This might come as a surprise to many, as we often associate polar bears with their white, fluffy appearance. However, their skin is pigmented to provide additional protection and insulation.
The black skin of polar bears serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps in absorbing and retaining heat from the sun, which is crucial for survival in the frigid Arctic climate. The black color absorbs the sunlight, converting it into heat energy that warms the bear’s body.
Moreover, the black skin helps camouflage the polar bear when viewed from below. When the bear is swimming or diving in the water, the dark color of its skin blends with the surrounding dark ocean depths, making it less visible to potential prey and predators. This provides them with an advantage while hunting and staying hidden in their icy habitat.
Another interesting fact about polar bears is that their fur is actually transparent, and it appears white because it reflects light. The hollow, translucent hairs trap the sunlight, making the bears seem white when observed from a distance. This remarkable adaptation allows them to blend perfectly with the snow-covered landscapes.
In conclusion, even though we envision polar bears as white creatures, their skin is black. This unique adaptation helps them absorb heat, camouflage themselves, and thrive in their icy Arctic habitat. The contrast between their black skin and white fur is a fascinating example of nature’s ingenious design.