Living BeingsCompare species
Arctic Fox
Vulpes lagopus
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Arctic Fox | African Baobab |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | A rounded body and short ears reduce exposed surface area. White-morph animals change from a darker summer coat to white winter fur; blue-morph foxes retain darker winter coloration. | Thick, fibrous bark surrounds a broad trunk. Each compound leaf has several leaflets radiating from a central point. |
| Habitat and range | Treeless tundra, coastal plains and nearby shorelines offer den sites and seasonally changing food supplies. | A terrestrial tree of tropical Africa, it is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and is also planted in gardens and settlements. |
| Diet and nutrition | Small mammals, birds, eggs and carrion are taken opportunistically. Food collected during periods of abundance can be cached for later use. | Leaves produce sugars through photosynthesis. Water and mineral nutrients are taken up through the roots. |
| Behavior and activity | Foxes search widely for food and use established dens to raise young. Their flexible feeding behavior is valuable in environments where food availability changes sharply. | Data unavailable |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Pups are raised in dens, and both parents can help bring food and care for them. | Large, hanging white flowers develop into capsules containing seeds embedded in pale, powdery pulp. New trees can be grown from seed. |
| Geographic distribution | Found around the Arctic, including northern Alaska. Coastal and inland populations experience different combinations of prey and scavenging opportunities. | Native to Africa and cultivated elsewhere. The accompanying photograph shows a planted specimen in Madagascar; that location should not be confused with the native range of every baobab species. |
| Ecological role | Data unavailable | Its flowers, fruit and extensive woody structure provide biological resources. The familiar name baobab also applies to other species, which should not be confused with this one. |
| Distinctive adaptations | Insulation comes from dense seasonal fur, including hair on the feet. Seasonal coat color also changes how conspicuous an animal is against its surroundings. | A substantial trunk and drought-resistant growth form help distinguish this tree from many humid-forest trees. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eukaryota.