Question

polar bears are also powerful swimmers and divers. they use their large, webbed paws to paddle through the water, sometimes traveling long distances between ice floes. their strong sense of smell allows them to detect seals from miles away. they will wait for a seal to surface for air at a breathing - hole in the ice, a patient hunting strategy that often takes a very long time. this ability to hunt both on land and in the water is a key to their survival in a changing environment.
the future of the polar bear is closely linked to the health of the arctics sea ice. as global temperatures rise, the sea ice is melting at an alarming rate, which threatens the polar bears primary hunting ground. protecting this unique animal means protecting its habitat. their survival depends on our ability to understand and protect the delicate balance of the arctic ecosystem.
discussion questions
stop and discuss: the text gives us several facts about a polar bears adaptations.
question: what are three specific physical adaptations that polar bears have, and how do they help them survive?
task: find the sentences that answer this question in paragraphs two and three. what exact words can you quote to prove your answer?
stop and discuss: the text explains how a polar bear hunts.
question: how does a polar bear find and catch its prey?

Explanation:

1. For the first question about physical adaptations: Polar bears have large webbed paws to paddle through water for long - distance travel between ice floes. Their strong sense of smell helps detect seals from miles away. Their ability to hunt on land and in water gives them more hunting opportunities.
2. For the task of finding sentences: "They use their large, webbed paws to paddle through the water, sometimes traveling long distances between ice floes." and "Their strong sense of smell allows them to detect seals from miles away."
3. For the hunting question: A polar bear uses its strong sense of smell to detect seals from miles away and then waits patiently at a breathing hole in the ice for a seal to surface for air.

Answer:

1. Three physical adaptations and their survival - aids: Large webbed paws for water travel; strong sense of smell for detecting prey; ability to hunt on land and water for more hunting opportunities.
2. Sentences: "They use their large, webbed paws to paddle through the water, sometimes traveling long distances between ice floes." "Their strong sense of smell allows them to detect seals from miles away."
3. A polar bear finds prey using its strong sense of smell and catches it by waiting at a seal's breathing hole.