TEMNGT23@ysub.ysu.edu (Lou Anschuetz) (07/07/90)
I have recently learned that Wolverine Fur does not freeze (perhaps this should say collect frost). Does anyone know the reason for this apparently unique behavior? If so, please contact me at temngt23@ysu.edu or temngt23@ysu.bitnet Lou Anschuetz P.S. Thanks in advance for your help
dtj@caffeine.cray.com (Dean Johnson) (07/09/90)
In article <90187.164756TEMNGT23@ysub.ysu.edu> TEMNGT23@ysub.ysu.edu (Lou Anschuetz) writes: >I have recently learned that Wolverine Fur does not freeze (perhaps >this should say collect frost). Does anyone know the reason for this >apparently unique behavior? If so, please contact me at > temngt23@ysu.edu or temngt23@ysu.bitnet My first guess would be that it is probably like Polar Bear fur which, as I recall, is hollow. The hollow fur provides an air space to be heated by the animal, the heat is then retained and remains fairly free of frost. My second guess would be that they are likely very oily critters, being related to bears (again, as I recall). This oil would provide some protection. =====> NOTE: I am not a biologist, just interested in critter lore... -Dean Johnson Tools, Libraries, and Commands Group Cray Research Inc. Mendota Heights, MN
jlynch@ccvax.ucd.ie (07/14/90)
In article <7311@caffeine.cray.com>, dtj@caffeine.cray.com (Dean Johnson) writes: > My first guess would be that it is probably like Polar Bear fur which, > as I recall, is hollow. The hollow fur provides an air space to be heated > by the animal, the heat is then retained and remains fairly free of frost. > > My second guess would be that they are likely very oily critters, being > related to bears (again, as I recall). This oil would provide some > protection. Polar bear hair acts as a transmitter of UV radiation from the sun to the animals body, somewhat akin to optic fibres. Heat loss is then minimised by the animals thick fur and its black skin. The heat being transmitted could thus prevent freezing of the hair but NOT by use of the animals body heat but by use of external energy. Wolverines are most related to the Mustelids (stoats, weasels, martens and badgers) and it would be interesting to see if their hair freezes or not. (at a guess Id think stoat/weasel hair wouldnt as they are tundral animals). Oil would probably act as a freeze deterent as Dean mentioned. Yours, JML =========================================================== John M. Lynch, Ph; 693244-2261 Mammal Research Group Dept. of Zoology, University College Dublin, JLYNCH@CCVAX.UCD.IE Belfield, Dublin 4, JMLYNH92@IRLEARN.UCD.IE Ireland. ===========================================================