What proportion of its existence have Arctic woolly bears been observed spending in a frozen state?
Answer
Nearly 90% of their existence.
The survival mechanism of the woolly bear in extremely cold, northern latitudes is remarkable, involving prolonged periods of being frozen solid due to the internal glycerol production. Observations specifically detail that these caterpillars in the Arctic have been noted to spend nearly 90% of their entire existence in this frozen state. This extreme stasis is possible because the glycerol protects the cells from rupture, allowing them to endure temperatures down to $-90$ degrees Fahrenheit. This capability contributes to their long potential lifespan, observed in some cases to extend up to 13 years through repeated freezing and thawing cycles.
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