Reindeer

The Arctic Reindeer

The Arctic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus eogroenlandicus), also known as the east Greenland Caribou or Greenland Caribou, was a subspecies of the reindeer (or caribou in North America) that once lived in eastern Greenland.

The Reindeer is mainly an animal of the far north. Most subspecies live their lives above the northern tree line in the Arctic Tundra and are built forstaying warm in freezing temperatures.

In order to survive the harsh Arctic conditions, the Arctic Reindeer has evolved a number of morphological and physiological adaptations. These include:

Hooves that adapt to the season. They have fur on the bottom of their hooves which helps them from slipping on the icy ground.
Nasoturbinal bones in the nose which keeps the winter air warm and moist
Ultra-violet sight
Migration as much as 5000km/yr
Formation of herds 50,000 - 500,000 individuals
Countercurrent system in legs
Antlers for protection, clearing snow and for competition for mates.
A rich fur coat. They have two layers of fur covering the body. they have a fine crinkly underfur and a thick coat of fur on top. the air trapped between the layers keeparms the Reindeer warm against wind and cold.

Adaptations

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Adaptations

Special Adaptation​The Retina

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Special Adaptation
The Retina