Polar Bears
How polar bears have been affected
|
The paws of a polar bear are perfect for travelling in the Arctic, which is covered with ice and snow. When the ice is very thin, a polar bear will extend its legs far apart and lower its body to distribute its weight. The paws of a polar bear also help it to paddle through the water. The claws of a polar bear are thick and curved. These claws are used to catch and hold prey and to help the polar bear move across the ice. Polar bears are well adapted to the cold temperatures of the Arctic. The two layers of fur help to provide the polar bear with insulation. On extremely cold days, polar bears dig shelters in snow banks and curl up. Polar bears need a platform of sea ice to reach their prey. In recent years, the ice that covers the Arctic has been melting and there is now less of it.
|
Think about what affect this has on the polar bears. How does the melting sea ice affect a polar bears health? The overall population? The Arctic community?