Being one of the top predators in the Arctic, polar bears are exposed to very high levels of toxins and pollutants through their food.
One fish may have a small amount amount of toxins in its tissue, but seals eat many fish a day and the polar bears eat the seals resulting in a high amount of toxins being consumed by the polar bears. Polar bears who have high levels of toxins and pollutants in its body have low levels of vitamin A, thyroid hormones, and antibodies. Those previously listed are important for growth, reproduction, and the ability to defend the body against diseases (2016, WWF). Because of the high levels of pollutants and toxins around 1.5% if female polar bears have been documented with partially-developed male sex organs
One fish may have a small amount amount of toxins in its tissue, but seals eat many fish a day and the polar bears eat the seals resulting in a high amount of toxins being consumed by the polar bears. Polar bears who have high levels of toxins and pollutants in its body have low levels of vitamin A, thyroid hormones, and antibodies. Those previously listed are important for growth, reproduction, and the ability to defend the body against diseases (2016, WWF). Because of the high levels of pollutants and toxins around 1.5% if female polar bears have been documented with partially-developed male sex organs