Ringed seals give birth in lairs carved out of packed snowdrifts. Which abiotic change may increase pup mortality

Question

Reduced snowfall
Reduced polar bear population
Reduced temperatures
Reduced carbon dioxide

Answer 1

Reduced snowfall may increase pup mortality in ringed seals. Ringed seals rely on snow to create lairs to shelter their pups from predators and harsh weather conditions. If there is reduced snowfall, there may be fewer or less stable lairs available for pups, potentially leading to higher mortality rates due to exposure or predation.