by Catherine Woods
In 1850, Glacier National Park had 150 living glaciers — that’s six times more than it has now. Since at least that time, glaciers there have been declining. But 50 years ago, the rate of decline jumped and the number of glaciers in the park took a nosedive. The situation has become increasingly bleak with time. The snow is melting faster, forcing bears and birds to adapt to new food patterns. Less snow through July and August means warmer waters, which hurts endangered species like the bull trout and the meltwater stonefly. The hotter climate means less water in the forest, which can lead to an increase in the number of fires and a depleted water supply.
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Question
Use the article excerpt to answer the question.
What is the literal and connotative meaning of the word climate as it is used in the paragraph?
Responses
The word means “weather patterns” and has a positive connotation.
The word means “weather patterns” and has a positive connotation. - no response given
The word means “weather patterns” and has a neutral connotation.
The word means “weather patterns” and has a neutral connotation. - no response given
The word means “temperature” and has a positive connotation.
The word means “temperature” and has a positive connotation. - no response given
The word means “temperature” and has a neutral connotation.
1 answer
The correct response regarding the word "climate" as used in the article excerpt is:
The word means “weather patterns” and has a neutral connotation.
In the context of the article, "climate" refers to the long-term weather patterns affecting the environment and the glaciers, which relates to the broader implications of temperature and weather conditions without implying a positive or negative value judgment.
