Final answer:
The Arctic has a wider variety of animals because it has a land connection to the south, allowing for species migration, unlike the Antarctic, which is isolated by ocean. Polar bears have white fur as camouflage for hunting in the Arctic, and melting sea ice due to climate change greatly affects them. Many Arctic animals, such as the Arctic Tern and reindeer, use migration as an adaptation to survive in their ecosystem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Arctic has a wider variety of animals than the Antarctic primarily due to the land connections that allow for more diverse migration and inhabitation. The correct answer to why the Arctic has a wider variety of animals than the Antarctic in their ecosystem is a. The Arctic has a land connection to the south. This land connection enables species from other regions to migrate into the Arctic region. In contrast, the Antarctic is an isolated continent surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which creates a barrier that limits the arrival of new species and restricts the diversity of terrestrial animals.
In the Arctic biome, polar bears have white fur as an adaptation to blend into their snowy and icy environment, providing camouflage while they hunt. This camouflage is crucial for sneaking up on seals, which are their primary food source. Climate change and the resulting sea ice loss have dramatic effects on polar bears, who rely on sea ice as their hunting grounds. When ice melts, polar bears struggle to find food, making them one of the animals most affected by melting ice in places like Alaska.
Migration is a common response among animals to adapt to temperature fluctuations and food availability. Many Arctic creatures participate in migration to find favorable living conditions and food sources. For instance, the Arctic Tern undertakes a long-distance migration between hemispheres, while reindeer travel vast distances to forage. This adaptability is a key component to their survival in the harsh Arctic environment.