How Arctic Foxes Survive Icy Temperatures — Reading Comprehension

Imagine living in a place where temperatures can drop to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit! That's the daily reality for the Arctic fox, a remarkable creature that thrives in the frosty northern regions of our planet. These incredible animals have developed amazing ways to stay warm and find food in one of Earth's harshest environments, the Arctic tundra.

One of the Arctic fox's most important survival tools is its incredible coat. Unlike many animals, the Arctic fox has the densest fur of any mammal. This thick, fluffy fur acts as superb insulation, trapping warm air close to its body and keeping the bitter cold out. Think of it like wearing a super warm, down jacket that you never take off! This fur isn't just for warmth; it also changes color with the seasons. In winter, their fur is pure white, helping them camouflage perfectly against the snow and ice. This makes it hard for both predators and prey to spot them. When summer arrives and the snow melts, their fur turns a brownish-gray, allowing them to blend with the rocks and sparse vegetation.

But fur isn't the only adaptation. Arctic foxes have short, rounded ears and a short snout. This reduces the amount of body surface exposed to the cold, which helps prevent heat loss. Their paws are also covered in fur, providing extra warmth and grip on icy surfaces. Their strong sense of hearing allows them to locate prey, like small rodents called lemmings, even under a thick layer of snow. They'll pounce, breaking through the snow to catch their meal.

Arctic foxes are also opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes lemmings, voles, birds, fish, and even berries when available. In lean times, they'll even follow polar bears to scavenge their leftovers. These combined adaptations allow Arctic foxes to not just survive, but truly flourish in their icy home, showcasing how living things are perfectly suited to their environments.

Interesting Fact: Arctic foxes can shiver up to 60 times per minute to generate extra body heat when temperatures drop extremely low.

What is the primary function of the Arctic fox's thick fur?

What do Arctic foxes eat in the winter?

Why does the Arctic fox's fur change color?

How do short ears and snout help Arctic foxes?

The Arctic fox's fur changing color is an example of an adaptation.

The word "insulation" in the passage means:

Imagine an animal with long ears and a long snout living in the Arctic. Would it be as well-suited as the Arctic fox?

If an Arctic fox's fur stayed brown all year, what challenge would it face?