Question
Ringed seals give birth in lairs carved out of packed snowdrifts. Which abiotic change may increase pup mortality?
A. Reduced temperatures
B. Reduced snowfall
C. Reduced carbon dioxide
D. Reduced polar bear population
A. Reduced temperatures
B. Reduced snowfall
C. Reduced carbon dioxide
D. Reduced polar bear population
Answers
GPT-4o mini
B. Reduced snowfall
Reduced snowfall would likely lead to fewer suitable lairs for ringed seals to give birth in, which could increase pup mortality. If there is insufficient snow to create these protective lairs, the pups may be more vulnerable to predation, harsh weather conditions, and other threats.
Reduced snowfall would likely lead to fewer suitable lairs for ringed seals to give birth in, which could increase pup mortality. If there is insufficient snow to create these protective lairs, the pups may be more vulnerable to predation, harsh weather conditions, and other threats.