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Polar bears are inbreeding due to melting sea ice, posing risk to survival of the species, scientists say
 [ABCNEWS.GO] The outlook for the survival of polar bears appears precarious as scientists learn more about factors induced by climate change that are affecting the long-term health of the species.Polar bear populations studied in Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago on the Barents Sea, were found to have up to a 10% loss in genetic diversity over a 20-year period, which correlated with a "rapid disappearance of Arctic sea ice," according to a study published Wednesday in the Royal Society Journals. As the ice melted, the polar bears' habitat became fragmented, resulting in a rapid increase in genetic isolation and inbreeding among regions due to reduced contact with polar bears from the outside, scientists said. Polar bears with buck teeth and Hapsburg lips? I think I'd pay money to see that! Posted by: Fred 2021-09-10 |
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