The map shows the ranges for polar bears (blue) and brown bears (red). Areas in purple indicate where both bear types are found. Which statement best describes how the bears evolved to be found these ranges?

A Brown bears lack the ability to swim and navigate water, which separated them from the polar bears, causing their populations to diverge.

B Potar boars cannot tive in areas of high sunlight, causing them to be found only in the northemmost regions, which caused the bear populations to diverge.

C Ancestors to the polar bears were better suited for colder climates, while ancestors to the brown bears were better suited for silghtily warmer climates, causing the bear populations to diverge.

D
Anceators to the polar bears were betier suited to eat fish and other meat while ancestors to the brown bears were better suited to eat berries and other plants, causing the bear populations to diverge.

Question

The map shows the ranges for polar bears (blue) and brown bears (red). Areas in purple indicate where both bear types are found. Which statement best describes how the bears evolved to be found these ranges?

A Brown bears lack the ability to swim and navigate water, which separated them from the polar bears, causing their populations to diverge.

B Potar boars cannot tive in areas of high sunlight, causing them to be found only in the northemmost regions, which caused the bear populations to diverge.

C Ancestors to the polar bears were better suited for colder climates, while ancestors to the brown bears were better suited for silghtily warmer climates, causing the bear populations to diverge.

D
Anceators to the polar bears were betier suited to eat fish and other meat while ancestors to the brown bears were better suited to eat berries and other plants, causing the bear populations to diverge.

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

To determine which statement best describes how polar bears and brown bears evolved to occupy their respective ranges, let's analyze each option based on known evolutionary and ecological principles.

**A. Brown bears lack the ability to swim and navigate water, which separated them from the polar bears, causing their populations to diverge.**
- This statement is misleading. While brown bears can swim, they are not as specialized for aquatic environments as polar bears. However, the ability to swim alone does not explain the divergence in their populations.

**B. Polar bears cannot thrive in areas of high sunlight, causing them to be found only in the northernmost regions, which caused the bear populations to diverge.**
- This statement is inaccurate. Polar bears are well adapted to high sunlight conditions in the Arctic during summer. Their range is more related to temperature and ice availability than sunlight.

**C. Ancestors to the polar bears were better suited for colder climates, while ancestors to the brown bears were better suited for slightly warmer climates, causing the bear populations to diverge.**
- This statement is accurate. Polar bears evolved from brown bear ancestors that adapted to cold Arctic environments, while brown bears adapted to a variety of habitats, including warmer climates. This divergence is primarily due to differences in climate and habitat preferences.

**D. Ancestors to the polar bears were better suited to eat fish and other meat while ancestors to the brown bears were better suited to eat berries and other plants, causing the bear populations to diverge.**
- While dietary preferences do play a role in the adaptation of species, this statement oversimplifies the evolutionary divergence. Both bear types have varied diets, and their divergence is more closely related to habitat and climate than to specific food sources.

Based on this analysis, the best statement that describes how the bears evolved to be found in these ranges is:

**C. Ancestors to the polar bears were better suited for colder climates, while ancestors to the brown bears were better suited for slightly warmer climates, causing the bear populations to diverge.**
The best explanation is that polar bear ancestors adapted to colder climates, while brown bear ancestors adapted to warmer ones, leading to their separate populations.

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