Final answer:
The arctic fox's seasonal fur length variation helps it conserve energy, maintain homeostasis in a cold environment, and is adapted to the Arctic region where it lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The seasonal variation in fur length of the arctic fox serves multiple purposes related to its survival in the harsh Arctic environment:
- a. Its need to eat food: Thicker fur does not directly affect the fox's need to eat food, but it does enable it to conserve energy that would otherwise be used to maintain body heat, thus potentially reducing the need for food as an energy source.
- b. Homeostasis: The long, thick winter fur provides insulation, which helps the arctic fox to maintain homeostasis by keeping its body temperature constant despite the freezing temperatures outside.
- c. How much water it must drink: While fur length does not directly impact the fox's water intake, better insulation from cold can reduce energy expenditure and potentially the need for water.
- d. Where the fox lives: The adaptation of fur length is directly related to the Arctic environment where the arctic fox lives, with its fur growing longer and denser as a response to colder weather.
Through its ability to insulate and maintain a warm body temperature, the arctic fox optimizes its energy usage in the frigid climate, which is essential for its survival.