Arctic Fox (Lagopus Alopex)
The arctic fox, or the white/polar fox is a small carnivorous mammal native to the arctic. It lives in its frigid environment and is heavily adapted for the cold weather. For example, these foxes will burrow in a event of a snow storm; also, their white fur helps them blend into the snowy environment. However, in the summer time their fur turns brown to match the color of the summer tundra's rocks.
Moving on to symbiosis, foxes will often follow a polar bear and scavange off the reamains of the polar bear last meal, in this case the fox benifits and the bear is neither harmed nor is it benifitig. Another example is when foxes follow caribou. Once, a cariobu goes out to find food it digs a hole in the ground to see if there is anything he can eat. Once, the caibou is done the fox will xome and use that same hole and see if there is still any food. Symbiotic Relationship: Predator-Prey, Commensalism (Caribou & Polar Bears)
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Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus)
Polar bears are giant, lumbering, mammals commonly found in the arctic. They are known for their stark white fur, which is what helps them camouflage within their snowy environment. However, their skin is actually black, so that they can absorb precious sunlight more efficiently.
Since they are carnivores, polar bears usually eat other animals. Seals, are their preferred meal, due to their immense fat stores. Polar bears have no natural predators, meaning they are on top of their food chain. However, they are still in turmoil due to global warming and the rapidly melting ice caps. |
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Symbiotic Relationship: Predator-Prey
Snowy Owl (Nyctea Scandiaca)
Another species found in the arctic is the snowy owl. This animal, like many others in the arctic, has bright white feathers during the winter to camouflage effectively and conceal itself within the snow. Moreover, it is a carnivore and often preys on animals such as, arctic foxes, rabbits, lemmings, and other small mammals.
Symbiotic Relationship: Predator-Prey
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Ermine (Mustela Erminea)
The short-tailed weasel and Royaskatt are both names for the species known as the Ermine. Ermines are found all throughout Canada, northern USA, and parts of Eurasia in tundras.
They are carnivores and are secondary consumers. They hunt in the snow during winter searching for small rodents. Symbiotic Relationship: Predator-Prey
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Caribou (Rangifer Tarandus)
Living in the mountain tundras of North America, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia are caribou. These animals are herbivorous, but do not hesitate to use their massive antlers if threatened.
Symbiotic Relationship: Predator-Prey,
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Musk Ox (Ovibos Moschatus)
Roaming, searching, and constantly looking for roots, mosses, and lichens in the frozen arctic, the musk ox is constantly on the hunt for food. During summertime the musk ox feeds on arctic flowers and grass.
Symbiotic Relationship: Predator-Prey
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Grizzly Bear (Ursus Arctos)
Located in the Alaskan and Canadian tundra are grizzly bears. These bears eat anything from rodents, to honey, to Caribou. However, the majority of their diet still consists of plants.
Symbiotic Relationship: Predator-Prey
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Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus Histrionicus)
Living by fast flowing rivers, and in flocks these colorful red and black ducks eat mussels, shellfish, aquatic insects, crustaceans and some small fish.
Symbiotic Relationship : Predator-Prey
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Ostertagia (Ostertagia Ostertagi)
Ostertaiga is another name for a intestinal worm, this animal is a parasite commonly found inside the digestive systems of caribou. This is problematic for the Caribou as it reduces pregnancy rates.
Symbiotic Relationship: Parastism
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Arctic Bumblebee (Bombus Polaris)
These bee's have a form of mutalism between the artic poppy and the bees. Like with honey bees the flower provides the bee with nectar and then the bees in return pollonate the area.
Symbiotic Relationship: Mutalism
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