Question

Describe how water’s unique properties helps a polar bear to survive. Include each of the properties of water and how each of these properties are helpful for the polar bear.

Answer 1

the very basic properties of water

conducts heat

neutral pH

high surface tension

high specific heat

good solvent

how does this help a polar bear, some of it is a stretch but possible benefits

pH - good drinking water, good for marine ecosystem for food

high specific heat - can absorb lots of heat before the temperature rises, polar bears exist naturally in cold environments. (ice) - maybe can tie this in with the natural hibernation cycle

high surface tension - I'm assuming the polar bear walks on the ice at times to get fish

as a good solvent - its probably good that most things dissolve in water, otherwise we would have a lot of floating gunk on top of the water

outside of this, can't give you much more. it has been noted in Shishmaref Village that the ice caps melting is leading to a lack of water in higher mountain areas and polar bears are coming down from the mountain ice cap areas to find food and water