Question

Polar bears hunt for ringed seals by waiting for them to emerge from breathing holes in ice. Which abiotic change may decrease a polar bear's ability to hunt?

Answer 1

One significant abiotic change that may decrease a polar bear's ability to hunt is the loss of sea ice due to climate change. As global temperatures rise, sea ice melts, reducing the habitat available for polar bears to hunt for ringed seals. Without sufficient sea ice, polar bears have fewer locations to wait for seals to surface at their breathing holes, making it more challenging for them to find food. This loss of ice habitat can lead to decreased hunting success and negatively impact polar bear populations.