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Out of Balance in the Arctic
Article

Out of Balance in the Arctic

Polar bears have high energy requirements that rise further as a result of climate change

John P. Whiteman
Science, 2018
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Innovative
  • Scientific

Recommendation

Bear metabolism expert John Whiteman rigorously assesses this landmark polar bear study, outlining the novel molecular approach that leads to important insights for polar bear conservation. He explains how polar bear metabolism militates against polar bear survival in the face of climate change. He also cautions that both seasonal and reproductive changes in metabolism remain unknown, but could significantly impact their chances of survival. getAbstract recommends this article for anyone concerned with arctic ecosystems and their broad impact on climate change.

Take-Aways

  • Biochemistry reveals that wild polar bear metabolism demands 1.6 times more energy than previously assumed.
  • Polar bears require more energy because their metabolisms do not slow down when food is scarce.
  • Polar bear energy demands are closer to that of other carnivores than to other bear species with mixed diets.

About the Author

John Whiteman is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of New Mexico and consultant for the San Diego Zoo Conservation Institute. He uses biochemical tracing methods to study bear metabolism.

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