Ursus maritimus Genome sequencing and assembly

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is one of the largest land carnivores, second only to the Alaskan brown bear. In an effort to adapt to the extremely cold Arctic environment, it has evolved many unique characteristics. However, ecological pressures pose a grave threat to the survival of polar bears. The polar bear genome provides significant contributions to research concerning evolution, biodiversity and climate change.

北极熊（Ursus maritimus）是体型最大的陆地食肉动物之一，仅次于阿拉斯加棕熊。为适应极度寒冷的北极环境，它演化出诸多独特特征。然而，生态压力对北极熊的生存构成严重威胁。北极熊基因组为演化、生物多样性及气候变化相关研究提供了重要支撑。