Term Paper on "Polar Bear Habitat Powerful"

Term Paper 4 pages (1481 words) Sources: 5

[EXCERPT] . . . .

The energy required to live and to hunt is supplied by a diet that consists mainly of seals. Seals are the bear's favorite foods because of the high fat content in seals. A diet with such high caloric requirements cannot be adequately supplied by eating land animals because of their lower fat content. When seals are unavailable bears have been known to consume land mammals and ocean birds. Consequently, when consideration is given to the habitat, the lifestyle, and the diet of the bears global warming would have a tremendous impact on the continued existence of polar bears.

Global warming is a modern environmental condition and it has its cause in the action of humans. The evidence that supports global warming is widespread. This essay will only consider some of the more outstanding components without going into the depth of the debate. The signs of climate change are that the average temperature have increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (Global warming 2007) around the world, however much of this increase has been in the last fifty years (NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies 2012). The second concern with climate change is that the rate of warming is increasing. So that not only is the earth getting hotter but it is doing so at a faster rate. The 1990 and the 2010's were the hottest decades within the last 400 years (Global Warming 2007). This increase in warming is felt most acutely in the Arctic region. The multinational Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report suggests that the temperature in the Arctic have increased at twice the global average. This means disaster for the polar bears and other wildlife.

The threat to the polar bears comes from two distinct areas the first is the dramatic reduction of the land mass and the second is the reduction of the bears food supply because of changes in the water temperature in the arctic region.

The ice shelf in the Arctic is disappearing at a rapid pace. The situation is of such dire concern that some scientists are suggesting that the region may experience a summer that is completely free from ice as early as the year 2040 (The consequences of global warming 2012). Polar bears depend on the ice for survival. The loss of the ice means the loss of the bear's habitat. When the bear's habitat is reduced in this manner the result is more conflict between bears for the limited resources. This competition leads to the death of some bears as well as the reduction of the production of cubs. These events are direct and immediate threats to the bear population.

The second major problem that threatens the survival of this immaculate animal is the loss of prey. As noted earlier polar bears depend heavily on a diet of seals of survival. The seal are present when there is an ample supply of fish. The fish that the seals eat are brought into the area because the temperature of the water is right for breeding and living. Changes in the water temperature changes the fauna and flora, these changes will reduce the numbers of seals available to the bears. The combined result is the loss of more bears.

Conclusion

Polar bears a majestic creature, their white coats and massive paws speak to their dominance and power on the ice. These animals have evolved survival mechanisms that have defeated all that nature has thrown at them. They are now threatened not by nature but by man. Climate change increases the water temperatures and reduces the ice and the food available to the bears. The continued dependence on fossil fuels by humans presents an immediate, danger to the bear's survival. Change is required now before these majestic creatures are lost, gone like the ice itself.

References

The consequences of global warming (2012). Natural resources defense council. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/fcons/fcons4.asp

Bourne, D. (2012) Feeding Behaviour. Retrieved from http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/0MCarnivor/ursidae/ursus/Ursus_maritimus/11Ursus_maritimusBehFeed.htm

Global warming fast facts (2007). National geographic. Retrieved from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1206_041206_global_warming.html

NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (2012) retrieved from http://www.giss.nasa.gov/

Polar Bears (2012). Retrieved from http://worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear

Polar Bears: Physical characteristics (2012). Retrieved from http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/polar-bear/habitat-&-distribution.htm READ MORE

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