Raaandy,

    You wrote:

>>>>>>> Compare the dark camel in the desert, and the white polar bear in
the arctic.  The camel has a dark overcoat over an insulating fur.  The
bear's white hair is designed to funnel solar energy to its dark
skin.>>>>>>>>

 

Desert's are some of the coldest places on earth. Ditto for the polar bear
habitat. I don't think you can have it both ways. Both have to adapt to a
range of temperature. The camels I've seen are closer to "tawny." As for the
bears being "designed"..you commit the sin of teleology. Because something
works doesn't mean it's the best adaptation to the environment. Moreover, as
for the white coat "funneling solar energy," I can't believe this is quite
what you meant. Common sense dictates that the white coat would reflect
solar away. That's why beekeepers wear white in the warm climates. Do you
suppose, possibly, that white bears have an advantage in the snowy terrain,
when sneaking up on prey? I suspect so. I've slept under 4 pounds of
goose-down at -20F and been comfortable. The big problem in cold climates,
at least for humans, is overheating. Get wet and die. Insulation is all. The
need for it is at its highest at night after the sun goes to bed. (My
sleeping bag was blue). J

 

Dick

 


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