The Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears
How does climate change affect polar bears?
Options:
- Their habitat is shrinking
- They are able to adapt easily
- Increased hunting opportunities
Answer:
Their habitat is shrinking
Polar bears are highly impacted by climate change as their natural habitat, the sea ice, is melting at a fast pace. As the Arctic warms, the ice that polar bears rely on for hunting seals and resting is disappearing. This forces the bears to travel long distances in search of food, which can lead to malnutrition and lower survival rates.
Additionally, the melting ice also creates challenges for polar bear mothers and their cubs. Less ice means less opportunity to find suitable denning sites, leaving them vulnerable to predators and harsh weather conditions.
Overall, the shrinking habitat due to climate change is a major threat to the survival of polar bears, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address the issue.