Over the winter the arctic fox has a heavy white coat, but when early summer temperatures begin to melt the snow cover, the coat is shed for a thinner, two-tone brown pelage. ... A pigment called melanin, absent in white fur, gives the fox its brown summer coat

Introduction:
The fact that a polar fox's tail is white in winter but brown in summers indeed provides valuable insights into the habitat of this species. This characteristic is an adaptation that helps the fox blend in with its surroundings and improves its chances of survival in different seasons.

Camouflage Adaptation:
The change in coloration of the polar fox's tail is primarily a result of camouflage adaptation. Let's explore how this adaptation helps the fox survive in its habitat:

1. Winter Adaptation:
During winter, when the surroundings are covered in snow, the polar fox's white tail serves as an excellent camouflage. It allows the fox to blend in seamlessly with the snowy environment, making it less visible to its prey such as rodents and birds. This adaptation is crucial for hunting success as it enables the fox to approach its prey unnoticed.

2. Summer Adaptation:
In summers, when the snow melts, the polar fox's white tail becomes a disadvantage as it no longer helps with camouflage. However, the fox has another adaptation to deal with this change. Its tail gradually turns brown, matching the color of its surroundings during this season. This adaptation enables the fox to hide effectively in the tundra, which is predominantly brown and barren during summers. By blending in with the environment, the fox becomes less noticeable to predators and potential threats.

Habitat Inference:
Based on the fact that the polar fox's tail changes color in response to the seasons, we can infer that its habitat is likely to be a region characterized by:

1. Winters with significant amounts of snow.
2. Summers with a barren, brown landscape.

The polar fox is often found in Arctic and Subarctic regions, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. These regions experience long, cold winters with heavy snowfall and relatively short summers with less snow cover. The fox's ability to adapt its tail coloration to these contrasting seasons allows it to survive and thrive in such habitats.

Conclusion:
The color change in the polar fox's tail provides important clues about its habitat. This adaptation helps the fox remain concealed from both prey and predators, improving its chances of survival. By being white in winter for snow camouflage and brown in summers for blending with barren landscapes, the polar fox showcases its remarkable ability to adapt to its environment.