Polar bears hunt for ringed seals by waiting for them to emerge from breathing holes in the ice. Which abiotic change may decrease a polar bear's ability to hunt?
1 answer
One abiotic change that may decrease a polar bear's ability to hunt for ringed seals is a reduction in the extent and thickness of sea ice. With less ice cover, there may be fewer suitable locations for ringed seals to create breathing holes, making it more difficult for polar bears to locate and hunt their prey. Additionally, thinner ice may not be able to support the weight of a polar bear, limiting their ability to wait near seal breathing holes.