Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus) are two distinct species of bears found in North America, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. Grizzly bears are typically larger, with males weighing between 400 to 790 pounds, compared to black bears, which usually weigh between 150 to 600 pounds. Grizzly bears have a distinctive hump on their shoulders, made of muscle, which provides them with powerful forelimb strength for digging. Their claws are longer and straighter, suited for digging and turning over rocks. In contrast, black bears lack the pronounced shoulder hump and have shorter, curved claws, more adapted for climbing trees. Grizzly bears tend to have a more concave facial profile, whereas black bears have a straighter profile. In terms of coloration, grizzly bears can range from blonde to dark brown, often with silver-tipped fur giving them a grizzled appearance, while black bears can also be black, brown, cinnamon, or even white (the rare Kermode or "spirit" bear).
Despite these physical differences, both species have similar diets and habitats but show distinct behavioral patterns. Grizzly bears are typically found in more open and mountainous regions, such as the northern Rockies and Alaska, where they have access to abundant food sources like salmon and large herbivores. They are known to be more aggressive and territorial, especially when protecting their cubs or food caches. Black bears, on the other hand, are more commonly found in forested areas across North America and are more adaptable to a variety of environments, including urban areas. They have a more omnivorous diet, including berries, nuts, insects, and small mammals, and tend to avoid confrontation, often climbing trees to escape danger. While both species hibernate, black bears have a longer hibernation period due to their more extensive range in colder climates. These differences highlight the adaptations each species has made to thrive in their respective environments.
1.) Which kind of text structure is seen in the passage "Grizzly bears vs. Black bears"?
A. Compare & contrast
B. Cause & effect
C. Problem & solution
D. Argument & counterclaim
2.) What is the author's purpose in writing the passage "Grizzly bears vs. Black Bears"?
A. To inform the reader about how dangerous bears are
B. To entertain the reader with amusing facts about the two types of bears
C. To persuade the reader to donate money to save the bears
D. To inform the reader of the similarities and differences between the two types of bears
3.) In the sentence "Grizzly bears are typically found in more open and mountainous regions," the words "open" and "mountainous" are...
A. Nouns
B. Adverbs
C. Adjectives
D. Verbs
1 answer
1.) A. Compare & contrast
The passage discusses both the similarities and differences between grizzly bears and black bears.
2.) D. To inform the reader of the similarities and differences between the two types of bears
The author provides factual information about the characteristics and behaviors of both species.
3.) C. Adjectives
The words "open" and "mountainous" describe the type of regions where grizzly bears are typically found, making them adjectives.
