Which bears have white fur that helps them blend into snowy Arctic surroundings?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Polar bears

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Colouration in animals often serves as camouflage, helping them avoid predators or approach prey. This question asks which type of bear has white fur that makes it harder to see against snowy backgrounds. It is a straightforward general knowledge item linking an animal's appearance to its habitat.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    We are given different types of bears: sloth bears, Asian black bears, brown bears, polar bears and sun bears. The question mentions white fur and snowy background, hinting at Arctic or polar regions. We assume typical adult individuals in their natural habitats.


Concept / Approach:
Polar bears are large bears that live in Arctic regions around the North Pole. They have thick white or creamy fur that helps them blend in with snow and ice, assisting in hunting seals and avoiding detection. The other bear types listed live in forests, grasslands or tropical regions, and have dark or brownish fur. Therefore, the only bear whose appearance matches the description in the question is the polar bear.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Link white fur and snow with polar environments. Step 2: Identify polar bears as the iconic Arctic bears with white fur. Step 3: Recall that brown bears, sloth bears, Asian black bears and sun bears all have dark coats, not white. Step 4: Understand that the white fur acts as camouflage against snow and ice. Step 5: Choose polar bears as the only option that fits the given description.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by matching each bear to its typical region. Sloth bears live mainly in the Indian subcontinent, Asian black bears in forested parts of Asia, brown bears across various temperate regions, and sun bears in Southeast Asian tropical forests. None of these habitats are snow covered Arctic landscapes. Polar bears, in contrast, spend most of their lives on sea ice and snowy shores. Their white fur is a textbook example of camouflage in cold climates, making this choice very secure.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sloth bears and sun bears have dark, shaggy coats adapted to forest habitats. Asian black bears are sometimes called moon bears because of the pale marking on the chest but still have predominantly black fur overall. Brown bears, as the name suggests, have brown fur that blends with soil and vegetation, not snow. None of these bears rely on white fur for concealment in snowy environments, so they cannot be correct.


Common Pitfalls:
Because polar bears are so obviously associated with snow, this question is unlikely to confuse careful readers. However, in a long exam, fatigue can cause students to overlook such simple connections. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the key words white fur and snowy background. Always read the entire question slowly and look for these clues, especially when dealing with animals that may have overlapping names or habitats.


Final Answer:
The bears with white fur that makes them less visible in snow are polar bears.

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