Question

polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals. due to climate change, arctic sea ice is shrinking, reducing their hunting grounds. this has led to population declines and changes in their behavior, such as increased scavenging and migration.
data: average arctic ice coverage & polar bear population

year	ice coverage (million sq. km)	polar bear population
2000	6.0	25,000
2020	4.0	20,000

multiple - choice questions:

1. what relationship exists between ice coverage and polar bear population?

a) as ice decreases, polar bear numbers increase
b) as ice decreases, polar bear numbers decrease
c) no relationship exists
d) polar bears thrive in warm temperatures

1. what adaptation might polar bears develop in response to warming temperatures?

a) improved swimming ability
b) hibernation during the summer
c) migration to warmer climates
d) increased reliance on plant - based food sources

Explanation:

1. From the data table and the description, as Arctic ice coverage decreases over the years (from 7.5 million sq. km in 1980 to 4.0 million sq. km in 2020), the polar - bear population also decreases (from 30,000 in 1980 to 20,000 in 2020).
2. Polar bears rely on sea - ice for hunting. As temperatures warm and ice decreases, they may need to swim more to find suitable habitats or food sources, so an improved swimming ability could be an adaptation.

Answer:

1. b) As ice decreases, polar bear numbers decrease
2. a) Improved swimming ability