Forums
Polar Bear Response to Sea Ice Loss

Christina, What is the average measurement for Polar Bear Fat? Thickest? It was very interesting to hear how the researchers use common items creatively for their science- so like a teacher :) Any answer to the fuel question yet? Stay warm, Lollie

Thu, 10/22/2009 - 22:00

Cristina Galvan

Hi Lollie,I have not forgotten your fuel question, I have actually been asking
around trying to figure out who has the most information - I've almost
pieced it all together! I just want to verify one last thing before
posting. We had drills all afternoon so no one was available to answer
questions :)
They take the fat depth measurement from the back of the thigh. For the
average measurement of fat, they have seen anything from 1.5 cm - 10
cm. The average amount of fat is 4 cm. The bear that had 10 cm of fat
on her thigh was an exceptionally fat bear - however, she was not very
long. Her total mass was about 650 pounds.
I love their use of common items! I feel like it validates how I run
labs in my own teaching practice - how to creative re-use household
items for new purposes! :)
Thanks for checking in!
Cristina