title: Utilization of solar radiation by polar animals: an optical model for pelts.
abstract: A summary of existing passive solar-heat conversion panels provides the basis for a definition of an ideal passive solar-heat converter. Evidence for the existence of a biological greenhouse effect in certain homopolar homeothermic species is reviewed. The thermal and optical properties of homeothermic pelts, in particular those of the polar bear, are described, and a qualitative optical model of the polar bear pelt is proposed. The effectiveness of polar bear and seal pelts as solar-heat converters is discussed, and comparison is made with the ideal converter.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Grojean
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Henry