Uniquely Hair
Posted by gretchen Sankovitz on February 20, 2006
Q: When comparing hair insulating factors(fusi) and structures of the rabbit, caribou, whitetail deer, bear, and moose, which is the best? Thank you, Gretchen
A: Boy, now this is difficult one! I did some research but wasn't able to find much about insulation values at all among these animals. The main function of animals' fur is to trap air that will provide insulation from the cold. I was able to determine that the Snowshoe Hare has especially good insulation but exactly how well it relates to the other larger mammals, I'm not sure. I do know, however, that smaller animals have a greater surface area in proportion to their body mass and therefore lose heat more quickly than larger animals. If we look at hares, with this in mind, I would "assume" (this is where we might get into trouble)that the Snowshoe's fur is especially effective insulation since it will lose heat more quickly than a moose, for example, if all else is equal. Hope this makes sense and that it helps a wee bit.
John Wiessinger ( February 21, 2006)