MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Other adaptations to cold include a barrel-shaped body and short legs, which reduce the ratio of body mass to surface area, minimizing heat loss. Muskoxen can be up to seven feet long with short legs and broad, stout cloven hooves, giving them a long, thick, brawny build.

Detailed explanation-2: -The outer hairs, called guard hairs, cover a second, shorter undercoat that provides additional insulation in winter. This undercoat falls out when temperatures climb at winter’s end. Female musk oxen carry their calves during an eight-month pregnancy, but after birth there is little time to waste.

Detailed explanation-3: -The musk ox’s fur is one of its biggest natural defense mechanisms against the cold. Their coat is extremely thick and long, and it is made up of many hallow hairs. Much like the polar bear, the musk ox’s fur helps keep them insulated by preventing the release of essential body heat.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hardy Animals Musk oxen can cope with sub-zero temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.