Spirit bear

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/spirit-bear

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Ursus americanus kermodei
2. What is the lifespan?Estimated 10-15 years in the wild; can live longer in captivity
3. What makes a Spirit Bear different from a regular black bear?A Spirit Bear has a recessive gene that gives it pure white fur, while it still has pigment in its eyes and skin. It is a special variant of the American black bear.
4. Where can you find Spirit Bears?They live on the islands of Gribbell, Princess Royal, and Roderick in British Columbia, Canada, and in the temperate rainforests along the coast.

Recessive Gene: A gene that is only expressed when two copies are present, influencing traits like coat color.
Subspecies: A taxonomic rank below species, representing a distinct population with unique characteristics.
Temperate Rainforest: A biome characterized by high rainfall, mild temperatures, and dense evergreen forests.
Oral Traditions: The spoken or sung accounts of history, beliefs, and stories passed down through generations.