Polar bears are recognised as the apex predators of the Arctic. Surprisingly, underneath all that white fur, polar bears actually have jet-black skin.
The dark colour of their skin is important for two reasons. Firstly, darker colours are better at absorbing light from the Sun than lighter colours. This means that having black skin helps polar bears to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures.
Secondly, their dark skin has a high melanin content. Melanin-rich skin helps to protect polar bears from the increased levels of harmful ultraviolet radiation that the Arctic receives.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Helena Stuckey Howard, Woking) 'Why do polar bears have black skin?'
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