Question

1. figure 7 above shows a satellite image of the north pole ice caps during september 1984, and september 2016. what do you notice about the differences? how do you think these changes would affect arctic populations such as the polar bear, arctic fox, walruses, and seals?

Explanation:

The question is about observing changes in the North - Pole ice caps from satellite images and considering the impact on Arctic animal populations. Ice - cap changes can affect habitat availability, food sources, and migration patterns for animals like polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, and seals. For example, a reduction in ice could limit the hunting grounds of polar bears and disrupt the breeding and resting areas of seals and walruses.

Answer:

Possible changes in ice - cap extent and thickness could be observed. Reduced ice could lead to habitat loss for polar bears, making it harder for them to hunt seals. Arctic foxes may face competition for resources as their habitat shrinks. Walruses and seals may have to travel further to find suitable resting and breeding areas, which could increase energy expenditure and potentially reduce survival and reproductive rates.