Why does rudolph have a red nose

These traits may have served a purpose for the animal way back when, but for whatever reason the trait was "silenced" over time, every once in awhile making a rare triumphant return in modern times. Could distant reindeer ancestors of Rudolph have needed to produce light in order to survive in the wild?

You'll find most reindeer in Scandinavia, and it does get pretty dark there during the winter -- so could Rudolph's ancestors have needed a better way to get around at night? But that doesn't explain why only Rudolph has a bioluminescent nose. When we look closer at Rudolph's childhood, however, it could be that his bright nose was a rapid evolutionary adaptation. It's possible that the real reason Rudolph couldn't play in all those reindeer games was due to his poor eyesight -- he developed the red nose in order to compensate, and it just happened to save Christmas when Santa really needed it.

Although his playmates treated him like a misfit in the beginning, Rudolph actually proved himself to be the stronger specimen. Determined to excel, he could have adapted out of necessity. The question now is whether or not future generations of reindeer could also take on Rudolph's unique traits. For more holiday-related goodness, including Santa's sleigh , Santa's elves and fruitcake, see the next page.

Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Why Is Rudolph's Nose Red? Could bioluminescence be the reason behind Rudolph's ruby muzzle? See more Christmas pictures. Rudolph's Bioluminescence " ".

Rudolph could use his bioluminescent nose in order to locate a safe route for Santa's sleigh , but how would it work? No Bull. Read More. But how could something like this have happened? Perhaps once there were herds of red nosed reindeers at the North Pole. Can you imagine that! The Science of Christmas Santamory explores the science and technology behind Christmas that makes the festive period so magical!

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