Polar bear turns out to be a distinct species and to separate himself from his relatives since 600,000 years ago. The results of recent studies suggest that polar bears are much older than previously thought, ie there since 150,000 years ago.The study also revealed that polar bears adapt to a polar environment in the hundreds of years. Now, the problem of adaptation of polar bear became a challenge as climate change takes place in a relatively fast.
If not reduced carbon emissions, the warming temperatures will continue to happen. As a result, the bear may not have enough time to adjust. The worst result is a polar bear will become extinct.Recent studies by Frank Hailler of Biodiversity and Climate Research Center was conducted by analyzing mitochondrial DNA, a small part of the whole genome is inherited through the mother. Hailler concluded that polar bears are brown bears relatives from the north.
Hailler say, polar bears old age suggests that this species has undergone several cycles of glacial and spent a long time to adapt to the Arctic environment. "However, the low genetic diversity in polar bears suggests that environmental changes, such as the hot phase, resulting in a narrowing of the population (population bottlenecks)" Hailler said in a publication in Science on Friday (19/04/2012).
Change of habitat, poaching, toxic compounds, and other stresses caused by human beings can magnify the impact of climate change today. It also threatens the polar bear population.
Related Posts: