Polar Bears in Jeopardy

Global warming is melting the polar ice caps, robbing the bears of the ice floes they need to hunt prey. Forced to fast for longer periods, polar bears will become too thin to reproduce and many scientists predict they could become extinct by the end of this century. At the same time, their natural habitat is under increasing assault from expanded development

TASKS

1. Discuss:

• What are the consequences of global warming on the polar bear?
• The polar bear is the most polluted animal. What do you think, is the reason for that?
• What is the "development" that harms the polar bear habitat?
• If the polar bear went extinct, what would be the consequences?

2.

Rewrite the first two sentences using relative clauses instead of the participles.

Endangered Species in Canada

Visit this website to find an updated information and degrees of risk for animal and plant species in Canada:
www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm

Facts on Endangered Breeds of Livestock and Poultry

Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), "The Chance to Survive" L. Alderson (www.rarebreedscanada.org)
About one third of the world's domestic animal breeds are now at risk of becoming extinct.

About 40 breeds of domestic animals contribute to 30-40% of the total value of food and agriculture production.

In 80% of the world's rural areas, the locally adapted breeds are superior to common modern breeds.

In North America, about 41 breeds are seen to be at risk.

Breeds can be lost when too much political and economic emphasis is given to one breed to the exclusion of others.

Sustainable, well managed use of animals in their environment will likely be the most cost-effective way of maintaining breeds for the future.

The Charolais was a rare breed 150 years ago; it is now a beef breed of international importance.