Final answer:
Otters maintain a constant body temperature in the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest with biological adaptations such as thick fur for insulation, a layer of fat below their skin, grooming behaviors, and a high metabolism rate, similar to polar bears' insulation with fat and fur.
Step-by-step explanation:
Otters are well-adapted to live in the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest through several biological adaptations that help them maintain a constant body temperature, similar to other mammals in cold environments. One key adaptation is their thick fur, which is among the densest in the animal kingdom, providing excellent insulation against the cold water. Additionally, otters possess a layer of fat below their skin that aids in reducing heat loss.
Other adaptations include behaviors such as their unique way of eating and grooming, which help maintain the insulating properties of their fur. For example, otters are often seen rubbing their fur to keep it clean and fluffed, which enhances its insulative efficiency. Moreover, otters exhibit a high metabolism rate, which generates heat internally to ward off the cold.
These adaptations are akin to how polar bears and other arctic animals maintain their body temperature. Polar bears have a dense layer of fat and thick fur for insulation, while otters rely on their unique fur and behaviors to achieve a similar result in the aquatic environment.