What is the characteristic of polar bear fur despite its white appearance?

The characteristic of polar bear fur that stands out, despite its white appearance, is that it is colorless and see-through. Each hair shaft is hollow and transparent, which allows sunlight to penetrate and reflect out, giving the fur its white appearance. This unique structure helps polar bears blend into their snowy and icy environments, providing them with camouflage against predators and aiding in their hunting of seals.

The hair's hollow structure also assists in insulation, trapping warm air and reducing heat loss, which is essential for survival in extremely cold climates. This functional aspect of their fur highlights the adaptation of polar bears to their Arctic habitat. The fact that it is colorless and see-through is crucial for understanding how their fur functions both in terms of insulation and camouflage.