Brown bear
The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is a large bear species native to Eurasia and North America. Its populations include grizzly bears and Kodiak bears.
Ursidae: The mammal family comprising bears, including the brown bear, polar bear, and giant panda. Brown bears are members of this family, whose shared traits include large bodies and plantigrade feet.
Salmon run: The seasonal migration of salmon from the sea into freshwater to reproduce. Salmon runs provide concentrated food for coastal brown bears and influence their seasonal movements.
Trophic cascade: A chain of indirect effects across food-web levels caused by changes in a predator or other influential species. As large omnivores and predators, brown bears can alter prey behavior and the distribution of food resources.
Polar bear: A large Arctic bear species, Ursus maritimus, specialized for life on sea ice and marine prey. Its Arctic specialization contrasts with the brown bear’s broader range and more varied diet.
Genetic diversity: The variety of genetic differences within and among populations of a species. Comparing bear populations helps assess isolation, adaptation, and their capacity to withstand environmental change.
Carnivora: The mammalian order that includes cats, dogs, bears, seals, and their relatives. The bear family belongs to Carnivora, despite many bears eating substantial amounts of plant food.
Seed dispersal: The movement of seeds away from parent plants by animals, wind, water, or other means. Brown bears carry and deposit seeds while eating fruit, connecting feeding behavior to plant regeneration.
Megafauna: Large-bodied animals, especially those with substantial ecological effects in their environments. Brown bears are prominent terrestrial megafauna whose loss can change ecosystem processes.
American black bear: A North American bear species, Ursus americanus, found across forests and other habitats. It overlaps geographically with brown bears but is a distinct species with different typical body size and behavior.
Climate change and wildlife: The effects of long-term climatic shifts on wild animals, their habitats, and ecological relationships. Warming can alter food timing and habitat conditions across the brown bear’s extensive range.