Plight of the Polar Bears

Based on the article, what is one creature who has adapted well to new environments?

Crocodile or cockroach

What evidence in the text explains how polar bears are more fragile than brown or black bears?

Polar bears are more specialized and are adapted to survive in the colder weather in the arctic, whereas brown and black bears are less specialized and can live in more diverse environments.

Do polar bears do well in non-arctic regions? Why or why not?

Polar bears do not fare well in non-arctic regions because they cannot run as well as other bears, tire easily and get very hot, and are not great hunters if there is no snow or ice.

What will happen to polar bears if they cannot adapt?

Polar bears might die off if they cannot adapt to climate change.

conservation

Protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment

How is climate change affecting polar bears?

Climate change is affecting polar bears by reducing the size of their habitats, forcing them to move south.

What does it mean for an animal to be adaptable?

An animal that is adaptable learns to live in a new environment, possibly fighting off another species or reproduce with another species in order to create a hybrid species.

How are polar bears bodies different from other bears?

"Polar bears feature webbed feet for swimming, thicker fur and more body fat for living and swimming in icy conditions, and light colored fur to help them blend into their envionment."

T/F: Specialized animals do well if the climate or other conditions changes.

False. Specialized animals are usually the first to die off when the climate or conditions change.

plight

a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation

adaptable

able to adjust to new situations or conditions

specialized animals

animals that have adapted to survive in a specific region and eat specific food

Where do polar bears live?

arctic region

fragile

easily broken or damaged

hybrid species

individuals from two different species form a new viable offspring

thrive

prosper; flourish; do well

habitat

the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

deterioration

the process of becoming worse; declining