Question

while the arctic region contains tundra and glaciers, half of the region is ocean. this ocean is rich in nutrients that support animals such as polar bears, walrus, seals, and seabirds. biological productivity, an indication of the rate of biomass production, and sea ice are integral to the stability of the survival of many species. these factors are greatly affected by climate change. the dramatic decline in sea ice in recent decades is far greater than predicted and accelerates global warming. water absorbs thermal energy from the sun, but ice reflects it. as the percentage of area covered by sea ice declines, less energy is reflected and more is absorbed, continuing the cycle of melting sea ice.

sea ice ecosystems

there are many climate change–related threats to arctic marine organisms. loss of habitat as sea ice melts and increased competition as other species can inhabit this warmer habitat threaten many species. warmer temperatures bring increased precipitation and with it more pollutants from the atmosphere and rivers. as previously ice-covered land becomes exposed, human traffic and development will also impact these ecosystems.

polar bears and seals

polar bears depend on sea ice corridors to hunt for seals, their primary food source. many seals depend on sea ice for shelter, as a resting platform, and as a breeding place. they also forage near the edges of and beneath the ice. some seals live their entire lives on sea ice, and if the ice does not last through the summer, these seals cannot survive.

female polar bears build their den on or near sea ice. after winter hibernation, they emerge in the spring with their cubs and rely on the sea ice ecosystem for food. bear cubs cannot swim far, and the early break up of sea ice can make it difficult to find sufficient food. in addition, increases in spring rain can cause bea...

Explanation:

Since no specific question is provided about this text, it's not possible to give a targeted answer. If you want to ask about the content, such as analyzing the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems, or explaining the relationship between sea ice and polar bears/seals, please clarify your question so that I can assist you using the appropriate format (either Step - by - Step for more analytical/calculative aspects or Answer - Explanation for descriptive/conceptual ones).

Answer:

Since no specific question is provided about this text, it's not possible to give a targeted answer. If you want to ask about the content, such as analyzing the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems, or explaining the relationship between sea ice and polar bears/seals, please clarify your question so that I can assist you using the appropriate format (either Step - by - Step for more analytical/calculative aspects or Answer - Explanation for descriptive/conceptual ones).