What is the scientific name for the "Polar Bear"?

The story behind the answer

Ursus maritimus is correct because it’s the polar bear’s scientific name: Ursus means “bear” and maritimus means “of the sea.” That fits their lifestyle—they’re classified as marine mammals, spending much of their lives on sea ice and swimming long distances to hunt seals.

To avoid confusion: Ursus arctos is the brown bear (including grizzlies), and Ursus spelaeus is the extinct cave bear. “Polar Bear” is just the common name. Memory tip: think “marine” for “maritimus”—polar bears are the “sea bears” of the Arctic. Their water-adapted traits—large, paddle-like paws and insulating fat—reinforce why their Latin name highlights the sea rather than the land.