An experimental investigation of chemical communication in the polar bear

摘要: The polar bear (Ursus maritimus), with its wide-ranging movements, solitary existence and seasonal reproduction, is expected to favor chemosignaling over other communication modalities. However, the topography of Arctic sea ice habitat generally lacking in stationary vertical substrates routinely used for targeted scent marking bears. These environmental constraints may have shaped a strategy, unique bears, widely dispersed continuous dissemination via foot pads. To investigate role chemical communication, pedal scents were collected from free-ranging bears different sex reproductive classes captured on spring Beaufort Chukchi seas, presented controlled fashion 26 zoos. Results behavioral bioassays indicated that especially females, more likely approach conspecific during than fall. Male flehmen behavior, indicative chemosignal delivery vomeronasal organ, differentiated donor by condition. Histologic examination skin two females prominent profuse apocrine glands association large compound hair follicles, suggesting they produce function as chemosignals. results suggest scent, regardless origin, conveys information conspecifics facilitate social this species has been adaptively habitat. continuously distributed signals necessary breeding behavior prove less effective if current future conditions cause disruption trails due increased fracturing ice.