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Polar Bear Habitat — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage for Grades 6-8 explains why polar bears live in the Arctic by examining their unique biome adaptations. Students will learn about key science concepts such as adaptation, camouflage, and the characteristics of the Arctic biome. The passage defines important vocabulary terms, provides real-world examples, and encourages students to connect science to everyday life. Comprehension is reinforced through a multiple-choice quiz, a glossary of key terms, and writing activities that analyze cause and effect relationships in nature. This resource aligns with NGSS standards and is audio integrated for accessibility, making it ideal for science classrooms or independent study. Keywords include polar bear, adaptation, biome, NGSS, and Grade 6-8 science. The passage is also provided in Spanish for bilingual learners.

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"Polar Bear Habitat" by USGS / Wikimedia Commons

The Arctic is a cold, icy region at the top of the world. It is known for its freezing temperatures, long winters, and unique wildlife. One of the most famous animals in the Arctic is the polar bear. Polar bears are not found in other parts of the world because they have special adaptations that help them survive in this extreme biome.

A biome is a large area of Earth with its own climate, plants, and animals. The Arctic biome is cold and has very little plant life. Polar bears are adapted to this environment in many ways. Their thick, white fur traps heat and provides insulation against the cold. Under their skin, they have a thick layer of fat called blubber that stores energy and keeps them warm. The white color of their fur acts as camouflage, helping them blend in with the snow and ice so they can sneak up on their prey.

Polar bears are excellent swimmers. Their large, powerful paws work like paddles in the water. They use these paws to swim long distances between ice floes in search of food. Polar bears mostly eat seals, which they hunt by waiting near breathing holes in the ice. Their sharp sense of smell helps them find seals even when they are far away or under the snow.

Living in the Arctic means facing months of darkness in winter and long days of sunlight in summer. Polar bears can survive without food for months by living off their fat reserves. This is an important adaptation because food can be hard to find when the sea ice melts in the summer.

Polar bears are an example of how animals can become perfectly suited to their environments through adaptations. Other animals, like camels in the desert or penguins in Antarctica, also have unique features that help them survive in their special biomes.

Interesting Fact: Polar bears have black skin underneath their fur to absorb and keep more heat from the sun.

What is the Arctic mainly known for?

Freezing temperatures and unique wildlifeWarm beaches and palm treesTall mountains and volcanoesRainforests and deserts

What do polar bears mainly eat?

SealsFishPenguinsWhales

What helps a polar bear stay warm?

Thick fur and blubberLarge earsThin skinShort tail

Why is camouflage important for polar bears?

Helps them sneak up on preyKeeps them dryMakes them run fasterHelps them climb trees

How do polar bears find seals under the snow?

Sharp sense of smellLoud roarBright colorsLong tongue

What is a biome?