Page 34 - Microsoft Word - geo class task.docx

Functioning and Components of Ecosystem

Animals

Polar Bears
• An apex predator
• Vulnerableàpopulation decrease by 40% since 2000
o 1500 in 2001, 900 in 2010
• Ice retreated by 12% every decade, and growing faster
• No ice = cannot catch main prey (seals) and must come on land
• 2007 US Geological Surveyàpopulation shrink to 1/3 of current size,
maybe even less by 2050
• Needs fat-rich, energy dense foodsàgood food source in whales