Future Polar Bear Evolution Theory

[brobear]

When we look at the evolution of whales, we see them begin as land-based mammals. Then they become semi-aquatic like a beaver or an otter. Then they progress into something more like a sea lion and then from there more like a true seal. From this point they progressed into the whales. 
In time - lots of time - the polar bear might take his next step in evolution, and replace his legs ( for long walks ) with flippers for improved swimming; thus becoming more sea lion-like. 
                                                                                           

[OldGreenGrolar]

Interesting. This could be another planet Darwin adaptation. It will be interesting to see a polar bear looking more sea lion like.

[brobear]

Consider that, as the last Ice-Age was ending, there was more ice melting that what we are seeing today - much more. The polar bear did not go extinct. But if, for some reason, polar bears are driven further south, instead of going onto the tundra to hunt caribou and musk ox ( where I believe polar bears would fail ), maybe they will hug the coastal regions and learn to hunt fish, crustaceans, and shell fish. I'm not talking about fishing like a brown bear, but more inline with the pinnipeds.