He Ursus maritimus tyrannus It measured 1.83 meters and had an average mass of more than a ton (1200 – 1500 kg), making it almost three times heavier than an adult male brown bear.
This fossil subspecies evolved from an isolated population of Arctic brown bears in the late Pleistocene and It was the largest carnivorous land mammal of all time.
Since the oldest fossil is 100,000 years old, it is estimated that they evolved between 100,000 and 250,000 years ago, from a population of Arctic brown bears, probably isolated by glaciation.
Evolution
The contemporary descendant of this enormous creature is the largest bear today, the Polar Bear: The adult male has a mass of 400 – 600 kg and measures up to 2.6 meters in length from nose to tail.
The species lives in latitudes 65 – 85º N, making it the northernmost bear.
Also in the terrestrial mammal with a more extensive habitat: Adult polar bears in Hudson Bay, Canada, have vast territories of up to 350,000 square kilometers, approximately the size of Germany.
Under the fur is the skin, which is black to better attract solar radiation and thus increase body heat. Ordinary light reflects on the fur, normally generating the false sensation of whiteness. Nevertheless, At certain times and places it can appear yellowish or even light brown.
By the way, The most nutritious bear milk is also that of the polar bear: contains up to 48.4 % fat and is vital for bear cubs, which must survive in a frigid environment.
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The news
This was the largest bear of all time and had a mass of more than a ton
was originally published in
Xataka Science
by
Sergio Parra
.
