Arctic ecosystems provide a habitat for many animal species, including polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and seals. The Arctic experienced an overall change in ice coverage between 1983 and 2007. The maps below show the sea ice coverage for each year during this time. In the maps, the blue areas represent locations covered by sea ice, the white areas represent liquid ocean water, and the gray areas represent land masses.

Question

Modified from image courtesy of NASA

Based on the maps, which of the following is most likely true about the period of time between 1983 and 2007 in this Arctic region?
A.
The Arctic region experienced a decrease in the number of types of animals that relied on sea ice.
B.
Most Arctic populations that lived on sea ice experienced an increase in size during this time.
C.
Most of the ocean habitat in the Arctic became frozen solid during this time.
D.
The habitat available to fish in the Arctic area decreased significantly during this time.

Answer 1

A. The Arctic region experienced a decrease in the number of types of animals that relied on sea ice.

Based on the maps showing a decrease in sea ice coverage over the years, it is likely that the habitat for animals that rely on sea ice, such as polar bears and walruses, decreased. This could lead to a decrease in the number of types of animals that are able to thrive in the Arctic region.