Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt seals, their primary prey. They wait at breathing holes or ambush seals from drifting ice floes. As Arctic sea ice has decreased in extent and duration, polar bears in some regions have been observed swimming greater distances between viable hunting platforms, with corresponding declines in body condition and reproductive success.
Based on the passage, which inference is most strongly supported about polar bears?
- A
Reduced sea ice improves polar bear hunting success
- Bcheck_circle
The condition of polar bear populations is connected to the condition of sea ice
- C
Polar bears can hunt seals equally well from any surface
- D
Polar bears never enter the water during hunts
Explanation
Greater swimming distances and worse condition with less ice supports B. A, C, D contradict the passage.