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Polar Bear Makes the List

In spring 2008, the polar bear was placed on the endangered species list. An endangered species is an animal that can die in its natural habitat. Polar bears have been categorized as a threatened species that become endangered in the future.

The polar bear is the first animal that has been classified as endangered due to global warming. Global warming is caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that become trapped in the atmosphere. Heating homes, driving cars, and burning garbage lead to global warming.

The polar bear’s habitat is more sensitive to global warming than many other species. Polar bears live mainly on the sea ice in the Arctic. This is where they hunt for fish and build up fat reserves. When the ice melts many polar bears move to land and live off their stored fat. In the Arctic, global warming causes the ice to melt slightly earlier and form slightly later. This results in a shorter feeding season for the polar bear. Some risk their lives to find ice. If they have to swim too far they will drown from exhaustion and hunger. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that 25% of the Arctic sea ice has disappeared in the past 30 years.

It is not only the polar bear that is at risk in the Arctic. Every species of plant, animal, and insect there is threatened by global warming. Nevertheless, environmentalist groups such as the World Wildlife Fund often study large carnivores (плотоядные) in order to assess the health of an ecosystem. The Arctic food chain relies on the polar bear. In addition, donations are more commonly offered for the protection of large animals such as bears or elephants. However, by using donor money to protect the habitat of the larger animals, entire ecosystems can be protected.

It is important that animals such as the polar bear make it onto the endangered species list. Once they are on the list there are laws that protect these animals from being hunted for food or sport. Agencies also receive money and tools to protect the habitat and recover the species. Since the Endangered Species Act was introduced in the US in 1973, many species have been taken off the list due to increased populations. In fact, it is rare for a species to go extinct after they make the list. Sadly many species do go extinct while waiting for consideration.

1.1. Match the correct variant

1. When a species is no longer found on earth it is said to be … .

a) threatened b) endangered

c) extinct d) at risk

2. The place where a species lives and reproduces is its … .

a) conservation b) habitat

c) food chain d) ecosystem

3. The gradual warming of the earth is called … .

a) endangered b) habitat

c) environmental d) global warming

4. According to the World Wildlife Fund polar bear studies help researchers determine the…

a) likely date of extinction b) health of the Arctic

c) impact of man on environment

5. What poses the greatest threat to polar bears today?

a) over hunting b) climate change

c) polluted water d) politicians

6. What type of conservation efforts are people generally interested in?

a) saving insects and birds b) protecting large animals

c) reforestation projects