Polar bears hunt for ringed seals by waiting for them to emerge from breathing holes in the ice .Which abiotic changes may decrease a polar bears ablilty to hunt?

Question

Increased seal population

Increased ice cover

Iincreased competition

Increased temperatures

Answer 1

Among the options provided, "Increased temperatures" is the abiotic change that may decrease a polar bear's ability to hunt for ringed seals.

Here's a brief explanation for each option:

1. Increased seal population: This would likely improve a polar bear's hunting success, as more seals would be available for them to prey on.

2. Increased ice cover: If ice cover increases, it could potentially enhance hunting opportunities because polar bears depend on ice to access seal breathing holes.

3. Increased competition: This is a biotic factor rather than abiotic and may affect hunting success, but it doesn't directly relate to environmental changes.

4. Increased temperatures: Warmer temperatures can lead to melting sea ice, which reduces the habitat polar bears rely on for hunting seals. This change directly impacts their hunting ability by limiting access to breathing holes and decreasing the overall availability of ice.

Therefore, "Increased temperatures" is the most relevant abiotic change that could negatively affect a polar bear's ability to hunt.