Question

polar bears are highly specialized. this means they have adapted to survive in a specific region and eat specific food. polar bears live above the arctic circle and eat fat - rich arctic mammals such as seals. their bodies are different from those of other types of bears. polar bears feature webbed feet for swimming, thicker fur and more body fat for living and swimming in icy conditions, and light - colored fur to help them blend into their environment. as a result, polar bears do not do well when they are in a non - arctic region. they cannot run as well as other bears, they can become too hot and tire easily, and they have a hard time hunting animals that are not in the snow or ice.

unfortunately for polar bears, climate change is reducing the size of the areas where they can live. this means the bears will eventually have to leave the arctic regions and travel farther south. however, because they are so specialized, it is unlikely that polar bears will be able to thrive as they once did.

other creatures, such as crocodiles or cockroaches, are not nearly as specialized. they live on almost every continent and in a wide variety of climates. in fact, crocodiles are one of the most adaptable animals on the planet and have survived for millions of years. when animals specialize, they often do better than less specialized species in the same place, but if the climate or other conditions change, the specialized animals are usually the first to die off.

if polar bears are going to survive the next 100 years, they will have to adapt. many scientists believe that polar bears may eventually cross paths with brown bears and black bears. whether these animals fight it out or fall in love to create new generations of hybrid bears remains to be seen. no matter how it happens, many hope that polar bears will live far into the future - in many different places.

strategy practice - compare your notes to a partners notes. discuss how they are alike or different.

skill practice - read each question. fill in the bubble next to the correct answer.

1. what is the passage mostly about?

a how polar bear habitats became threatened
b how specialization hurts polar bears
c how humans cause habitat loss
d how animals adapt to climate change

1. what will likely happen to polar bears if they are not able to adapt to climate change in the arctic?

a they will become extinct.
b they will act more like brown and black bears.
c they will find a colder place to live.

Explanation:

1. The passage discusses the specialization of polar - bears, their adaptability to the Arctic environment, and the threat of climate change which may force them to move. Overall, it is about how polar bear habitats became threatened.
2. Polar bears are highly specialized to the Arctic. If they can't adapt to climate - change in the Arctic, since they are so specialized, they are likely to become extinct as they may not be able to thrive in non - Arctic regions.

Answer:

1. A. how polar bear habitats became threatened
2. A. They will become extinct.