Question

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

Reduced polar bear population

Reduced temperatures

Reduced snowfall

Reduced carbon dioxide

Answer 1

Reduced snowfall may increase pup mortality in ringed seals. They rely on thick, stable layers of snow to create their lairs for giving birth and nursing their pups. If there is reduced snowfall, it can lead to less suitable habitat for these lairs, increasing the risk of pup exposure to predators and harsh environmental conditions, ultimately leading to higher mortality rates.