How many regions in Arctic comprise polar bears?

a. 18

b. 19

c. 20

d. 21

ANSWER: 19

Explanation:

Polar bears are losing life sustaining sea ice critical for hunting, resting and breeding in 19 regions of the Arctic they inhabit, according to a study on 14th Sept

As climate change pushed up Arctic temperatures, ice started melting earlier in spring and refreezing in autumn, according to researchers

Satellite data showed that number of ice covered days across the 19 regions declined at the rate of 7-19 days per decade from 1979 to 2014.

Dependence on sea ice means climate warming is the single most important threat to polar bears.

Global population of polar bears is currently 25,000.

Their scientific name is Ursus maritimus.

Bears have been emblematic of ravages of global warming.

When the ice melts, the animals come ashore and survive on stored fat until it refreezes -- a period that for some has become longer and longer.

Scientists are saying Arctic is warming at double the global rate as a result of climate change fuelled by mankind’s use of fossil fuels that emit heat trapping GH gases.

Longer iceless periods mean polar bears have to swim further to find solid ground.

IUCN also said the creatures could see numbers dwindle by third by mid century; Polar bears on IUCN Red List are listed as vulnerable.

Bears need sea ice for hunting as they cannot out swim their prey- the self.

"Changes in sea ice have been shown to impact polar bear abundance, productivity, body condition, and distribution," said the study.

WWF also said that the retreating ice will increase confrontations with humans who live on land.

Arctic shipping industry has further fuelled global warming.