Physiological Aspects of Snow essays

Physiological Aspects of Snow essays Descriptive and Behavioral Aspects of Snow Leopards The Snow Leopard is an endangered species, and lives among many other species in Asia. These leopards are medium sized cats and usually, males weight more than females. The average male weighs anywhere from 100-120 lbs.; whereas, the average female weighs 75-90 lbs. They do not belong to the same genus as larger cats because they lack the ability to roar. Leopards do not have the fibro-elastic tissues in the throat that allow other cats to make the low growl. It belongs to the Felidae Family, and its scientific name is Uncia uncia. The thick fur coat is grayish-white with traces of yellow in it, and the open-rosette (black circles that resemble roses) spots are dark gray to black colored. This lush fur allows the cat to appear larger than it actually is. The dense light colored coat protects the animal from the extreme conditions of the winter and the mild conditions of the summer. The fur around the paw acts as snowshoes during the winter, and it protects the leopards feet against hot sharp rocks in the summer. Snow leopards molt twice a year, but the summer coat differs little from the winter coat by density and length. The mountainous environment provides an ample amount of camouflage for this particular species. There are other adaptations that the snow leopard has. The most unique characteristic of the Snow Leopard is the long tail, which is used for balance up in the high altitudes. It can be 30-40 in. long, or in some cases, as long as the leopards body. It can also be used to as a scarf. The cat can wrap the tail around itself when it is sitting to add extra warmth. Other adaptations that the Snow Leopard utilizes for the cold are the enlarged nasal cavities, and long fur with wooly undergrowth. For the mountainous environment, the Snow Leopards have developed the better chest muscles than the average cat, long hind limbs, and a ...