Animals which special adaptations to life in a cold environment
Tundra bumble bees provide a fascinating example of arctic adaptation. Many insects cease functioning during winter. Since they are "cold-blooded", insect body temperatures are closely related to the temperature of their surroundings. The chemical reactions necessary for insect movement do not occur at cold temperatures. Tundra bumble bees have developed a dense hair on their bodies which slows heat loss to the air. They also "shiver" their flight muscles to generate heat. This heat is temporarily trapped within their velvet coat. Some bumblebees can keep their body temperatures 20-30, degrees C (68-86 degrees F) above air temperatures and are easily active while other insects are too cold to move; therefore tundra bumble bees have the ability to survive the arctic climate.
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