What Color was the Bear Spotted by Mr. Brown on His Morning Walk?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Ackbach
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    2015
In summary, bears can come in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and even shades of blue or purple. Different species of bears can have different coat colors, with factors such as habitat, evolutionary adaptations, and genetics influencing their color. Bears cannot change their coat color, but they may appear to due to seasonal variations or changes in lighting. Some species of bears, such as the American black bear and the polar bear, can have mostly black or white coats, but there may be variations within a species.
  • #1
Ackbach
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MHB
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Here is this week's POTW (sorry about its being late - it's crazy at home!):

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One morning Mr. Brown left his tent and walked one mile south. Then he turned east and continued for the second mile. At this point he turned north, walked for another mile, and arrived right back at his tent. While he was out walking, Mr. Brown saw a bear. What color was it?

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  • #2
Congratulations to MarkFL for his correct solution, which I provide below:

The only place on Earth where one can walk x distance south, then x distance east, then x distance north and arrive back at the starting position is the geographic north pole. Because 1 mile is sufficiently short that he never left the Arctic sea ice, the bear must have been a polar bear, and hence was white.
 

FAQ: What Color was the Bear Spotted by Mr. Brown on His Morning Walk?

What color was the bear?

The most frequently asked question about the color of bears is usually in reference to a specific species of bear, as different species can have varying coat colors. However, the most common answer is that bears can come in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and even shades of blue or purple in some rare cases.

Do all bears have the same color?

No, different species of bears can have different coat colors. For example, polar bears are white while grizzly bears are typically brown. Some species, like the sun bear, can have a range of colors on their fur including a distinct patch of yellow on their chest.

Why do bears have different colors?

Bears have different colors based on a combination of factors including their habitat, evolutionary adaptations, and genetics. Some bears have evolved to blend in with their surroundings for camouflage while others may have inherited certain coat colors from their parents.

Can bears change color?

No, bears cannot change their coat color like some other animals can. However, bears can appear to change color due to seasonal variations or changes in lighting. For example, polar bears may appear more yellow in the summer due to sun bleaching of their white fur.

Are there any all-black or all-white bears?

Yes, there are some species of bears that are mostly black or white. For example, the American black bear can have a completely black coat while the polar bear is almost entirely white. However, there may be variations within a species, such as a brown or cinnamon phase of a black bear, or a cream-colored polar bear.

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