Question
As ocean water temperatures rise, the expanse of sea ice in the polar regions is being reduced. In the Arctic, the reduction in sea ice is adversely affecting polar bears. Polar bears are the apex land predator in the Arctic, and they need sea ice to survive. The reduction in sea ice causes the polar bears to travel longer distances by swimming rather than walking on the ice as they hunt for seals. It is not uncommon for polar bears to lose 20% of their body weight between feedings.
Which of the following predictions BEST describes the long term consequence of habitat loss on the polar bear population?
A.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will sustain polar bear populations at the current levels.
B.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will decline which will lead to a decrease in polar bear populations.
C.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will decline but still allow polar bear populations to increase from their current levels.
D.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will increase and will allow polar bear populations to increase from their current levels.
Which of the following predictions BEST describes the long term consequence of habitat loss on the polar bear population?
A.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will sustain polar bear populations at the current levels.
B.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will decline which will lead to a decrease in polar bear populations.
C.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will decline but still allow polar bear populations to increase from their current levels.
D.
The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will increase and will allow polar bear populations to increase from their current levels.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The best prediction that describes the long-term consequence of habitat loss on the polar bear population is:
**B. The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will decline which will lead to a decrease in polar bear populations.**
This option accurately reflects the impact of reduced sea ice on polar bears, as the loss of habitat directly affects their ability to hunt and obtain food, which in turn would likely lead to a decline in their population due to decreased survival and reproductive success.
**B. The carrying capacity of the polar ecosystem will decline which will lead to a decrease in polar bear populations.**
This option accurately reflects the impact of reduced sea ice on polar bears, as the loss of habitat directly affects their ability to hunt and obtain food, which in turn would likely lead to a decline in their population due to decreased survival and reproductive success.