Question

Ringed seals give birth in lairs carved out of packed snowdrifts. Which abiotic change may increase pup mortality?
Responses

reduced snowfall
reduced snowfall - not selected, this is the correct answer

reduced carbon dioxide
reduced carbon dioxide - no response given

reduced polar bear population
reduced polar bear population - no response given

reduced temperatures

Answer 1

The correct answer is "reduced snowfall." Reduced snowfall can lead to less stable and less suitable lairs for seal pups, increasing their mortality risk. The other options would not directly impact the lair conditions in the same way.