New research has suggested that polar bears could be rewriting their DNA in order to adapt to warmer climates.
Researchers from University of East Anglia discovered some genes related to heat-stress, ageing and metabolism are behaving differently in polar bears living in southeastern Greenland, suggesting they might be adjusting to their warmer conditions.
Lead researcher Dr Alice Godden, from UEA's School of Biological Sciences, said the finding offers some "hope" for the polar bears', and might provide a vital "genetic blueprint" to help conservation efforts.
But despite the signs of adaption to a changing environment, she said efforts to limit global temperature increases must continue.
In 2008 the U.S. government granted polar bears protective status under the Endangered Species Act.
