How a polar bear went through speciation?

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) underwent speciation as they adapted to their Arctic environment around 500,000 years ago. As their ancestors, the brown bears, migrated northward and became isolated in the Arctic, they developed distinct traits such as a thicker layer of fat, white fur for camouflage, and specialized hunting skills for a marine environment. Genetic adaptations to cold climates and dietary changes, primarily focusing on seals, further solidified their evolution into a separate species. Over time, these changes facilitated their survival in extreme conditions, leading to the polar bear we recognize today.