Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions. In…
2021
Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions.
In Massachusetts, black bears have expanded from a small isolated population in the Berkshire Mountains to an estimated 4,500 bears across the state. Massachusetts is the third-most densely populated state in the nation, and human development is expanding, sometimes putting bears and people in close proximity to one another.
Why would black bears use populated areas? They are omnivorous opportunists with a good sense of smell, and can sniff out calorie-rich foods that often are found in developed areas, such as bird seed, pet food, garbage and even agricultural crops. These foods may be especially attractive to bears before and after hibernation, when the animals are living solely off stored body fat.
Before hibernation in the fall, bears enter a metabolic state called hyperphagia – literally, excessive eating – in which they consume 15,000 to 20,000 calories a day. That’s roughly equivalent to eight large cheese pizzas or five gallons of chocolate ice cream.
During hibernation bears can lose up to one-third of their body weight. And after they emerge from their dens in springtime, natural foods are typically scarce until plants start to leaf out and flower.
Black bears’ energy requirements during these phases can drive their behavior. After examining the data from 76 black bear GPS collars across central and western Massachusetts it was seen that black bear moved around more in daytime than at night, and avoided humans and developed areas during the day. However, we also found that in spring and fall, when the bears had increased caloric demands, they altered their natural daily rhythms to move through human-developed areas at night.
Q:Which of the following statement is NOT true according to the given passage?
- A.
Black bears have good sense of smell and can track calorie-rich food around them.
- B.
Before going in the hibernation phase, black bears consume lots of food.
- C.
During hibernation black bears tend to gain more weight due to calorie-rich food consumption.
- D.
When the bears have increased caloric demands, they move out at the night in search of food.
Attempted by 4 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Answer: The statement "During hibernation black bears tend to gain more weight due to calorie-rich food consumption." is NOT true according to the passage.
Explanation:
Before hibernation bears enter a metabolic state called hyperphagia and consume about 15,000 to 20,000 calories per day to build fat reserves.
During hibernation bears can lose up to one-third of their body weight, which contradicts the idea that they gain weight during hibernation by eating.
After emerging from dens, natural foods are scarce for a time, further indicating that bears are not consuming calorie-rich foods during hibernation.
Brief note on the other statements:
The statement about bears having a good sense of smell and finding calorie-rich foods in developed areas is supported by the passage.
The statement that bears consume a lot of food before hibernation is supported by the description of hyperphagia and the calorie figures given.
The statement that bears move through human-developed areas at night when their caloric demands increase is supported by the study findings described in the passage.