In the context of animals adapted to cold weather like polar bears, the long-term environmental change that may cause them to survive and flourish is global warming. Here's why:
1. Global warming refers to the gradual increase in Earth's overall temperature due to human activities releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
2. As global temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers melt, leading to a reduction in sea ice cover in the Arctic region.
3. This reduction in sea ice affects the habitat and hunting grounds of polar bears, making it harder for them to find food and survive in their natural environment.
4. However, some researchers suggest that warmer temperatures could potentially benefit polar bears by increasing their access to food sources like seals due to changes in the ecosystem.
5. While global warming poses significant challenges to polar bears and other cold-adapted animals, it also creates new opportunities for adaptation and survival in the changing environment.
In summary, global warming, despite its negative impacts on the Arctic environment, could offer some advantages to animals like polar bears in adapting to new conditions and possibly thriving in altered ecosystems.
