Grade 7 Quiz: Rare Polar Bear Adoption in Canada

What rare event did scientists in Canada document on January 1, 2026?

• A polar bear adopted an unrelated cub

• A polar bear taught its cubs to swim

• A polar bear migrated farther than usual

• A polar bear was tracked by satellite

How many known adoptions have there been since the researchers began tracking this polar bear group 45 years ago?

• 13

• 31

• 45

• 26

Where is the Western Hudson Bay polar bear subpopulation located?

• Northern Manitoba

• Southern Ontario

• Eastern Quebec

• Central Alberta

How did scientists confirm that one of Bear X33991’s cubs was not her biological offspring?

• Through a DNA analysis

• By monitoring their size

• By observing their behavior

• Through satellite images

What is a 'litter swap' among polar bears?

• When cubs are accidentally exchanged between mothers

• When cubs fight for territory

• When cubs migrate together without adults

• When cubs share food with each other

How far did Bear X33991 and her cubs travel across the sea ice since November?

• More than 497 miles (800 km)

• Over 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

• About 200 miles (320 km)

• Over 50 miles (80 km)

Why must Bear X33991 hunt for seals during the winter?

• To feed herself and produce milk for her cubs

• Because seals are easy to catch during winter

• To teach cubs how to fish

• Because polar bears only eat in winter

What is encouraging about the current condition of Bear X33991 and her two cubs?

• All three are in good condition

• The newly adopted cub is bigger than the original cub

• The cubs are swimming alone

• They have migrated the farthest distance recorded

What physical adaptations help polar bears survive in the Arctic?

• Thick layer of fat and waterproof coat

• Sharp claws for digging

• Ability to fly short distances

• Webbed feet for climbing trees

Why is the survival of polar bears increasingly threatened?

• Because melting sea ice makes hunting and breeding harder

• Due to too many adoptions

• Because of overpopulation

• Because they are hunted by seals