Control Test Reading

Second half-year Test

9^th Grade

Reading

POLAR BEAR MAKES THE LIST

In spring 2008, the polar bear was placed on the endangered species list. An endangered species is an animal, plant or any other kind of wildlife that can die in its natural habitat. Polar bears had been categorized as a "threatened" species which the Endangered Species Act defines as one that become "endangered" in the future.

The polar bear is the first animal that has been classified as endangered due primarily to global warming. Gradual warming is caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that become trapped in the atmosphere. Renewable energy sources or renewable that don't cause global warming include solar, wind and hydro-electricity power. These alternative forms of power, as well as the science of climate change, have been strongly attacked by many of the world's biggest companies in order to protect the huge profits they make from fossil fuels.

The polar bear's habitat is more vulnerable to global warming than many other species. Polar bears live mainly on the sea ice in the Arctic. This is where they hunt for fish and build up fat reserves. When the ice melts many polar bears move to land and live off their stored fat. In the Arctic, global warming is causing the ice to melt slightly earlier and form slightly later. This results in a shorter feeding season for the polar bear. Some risk their lives to find ice. If they have to swim too far they will drown from exhaustion and hunger. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that over 25% of Arctic sea ice has disappeared in the past 30 years.

It is not only the polar bear that is at risk in the Arctic. Every species of plant, animal, and insect there is threatened by gradual warming. Nevertheless, environmentalists groups such as the World Wildlife Fund often study large carnivores in order to estimate the health of an ecosystem. The Arctic food chain relies on the polar bear. In addition, donations are more commonly offered for the protection of large animals such as bears or elephants. People in general are less interested in conservation efforts that protect small wildlife, such as plants or insects. However, by using donor money to protect the habitats of larger animals through reforestation and similar programs, entire ecosystems with many threatened or endangered species can be saved.

It is important that animals such as the polar bear make it in the endangered species list. Once they are on the list there are laws that protect these animals from being hunted for food or sport. Agencies also receive money and tools to protect the habitat and recover the species. Since the ESA was introduced in the US in 1973, many species have been taken off the list due to increased populations. In fact, it is rare for a species to go extinct after they make the list. Sadly many species do go extinct while waiting for consideration.