the hairs are hollow in order to direct the sunlight to the skin.

Question

Interestingly, the hairs are hollow in order to direct the sunlight straight to the skin. Underneath their fur, polar bears have an additional 10-cm-layer of fat, called blubber.

To begin with, how could the hairs of pollar bears be hollow? Are they so thick that they could be hollow?

Besides, what does "blubber" indicate to you? Is it only whale fat?

Thanks.

Nona the brit · Accepted Answer

Polar bears are not the only animals with hollow hair, it's not uncommon in animals adapted for very cold conditions. Reindeer also have hollow hairs. I don't think it means their hair is particularly thick - hairs are working on a fairly microscopic scale anyway.

I was surprised to hear about bear blubber - but no, it doesn't just mean whales to me. I'm also aware of seals and other mammals having blubber.

Angliholic · Answer

Nona The BritPolar bears are not the only animals with hollow hair, it's not uncommon in animals adapted for very cold conditions. Reindeer also have hollow hairs. I don't think it means their hair is particularly thick - hairs are working on a fairly microscopic scale anyway.

I was surprised to hear about bear blubber - but no, it doesn't just mean whales to me. I'm also aware of seals and other mammals having blubber.

Thanks, Nona, for the helpful reply.

For the sake of curiosity, could I render the bolded part in your post as "it's not uncommon in animals which have adapted to very cold conditions?"

the hairs are hollow in order to direct the sunlight to the skin.

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