Polar bears, known scientifically as Ursus maritimus, are facing increasing threats due to the rapidly changing climate, and their survival is essential not only for maintaining ecological balance but also for unlocking potential breakthroughs in human medicine. Living in the Arctic, where temperatures can drop to an unimaginable -40°C, these majestic creatures have evolved unique adaptations, making them one of the most resilient mammals. Under their thick skin, polar bears store an impressive 11 centimetres of blubber, which serves as insulation. In humans, a similar amount of adipose tissue would undoubtedly result in health complications, such as diabetes and heart disease. However, polar bears defy this norm.

The key to this paradox lies in their genetic composition, as revealed by a 2014 study led by scientist Shi Ping Liu and his team. By comparing the genetic structure of polar bears with that of their closest relatives, the brown bears, the researchers identified significant genetic markers that enable polar bears to thrive in extreme environments. One such marker is a gene known as APoB, responsible for managing levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) — the so-called "bad" cholesterol. In humans, mutations in this gene are often linked to an increased risk of heart disease. This discovery suggests that studying polar bears could provide new insights into cardiovascular diseases in humans.

Additionally, the genome of polar bears holds the key to understanding osteoporosis — a disease characterized by reduced bone density, particularly affecting the elderly. Unlike humans, polar bears undergo prolonged periods of fasting during their winter hibernation, where their calcium and calorie intake plummets, yet they show no signs of bone degradation. Female polar bears, in particular, endure intense physical strain during pregnancy and lactation, often fasting for up to six months while maintaining healthy bone structure. Physiologists Alanda Lennox and Allen Goodship, in a landmark 2008 study, uncovered the secret: pregnant polar bears increase their bone density before entering hibernation and continue to preserve it during the fasting period. This phenomenon is absent in brown bears, who must remodel their bones after winter. Understanding this process could pave the way for medical advances benefiting astronauts, bedridden patients, and the elderly.>> Form đăng kí giải đề thi thật IELTS 4 kĩ năng kèm bài giải bộ đề 100 đề PART 2 IELTS SPEAKING quý đang thi (update hàng tuần) từ IELTS TUTOR

The potential medical benefits derived from polar bears are compelling, but we must not forget their intrinsic value as intelligent, problem-solving creatures. Despite their fearsome reputation, bears are often misjudged as unintelligent and violent. Anecdotal evidence from researchers, however, paints a different picture. GoGo, a polar bear residing at the Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, has repeatedly demonstrated his problem-solving ability by using tools — specifically, a tree branch — to retrieve food that was beyond his reach. While such behavior is rare among wild polar bears, some have been observed showing similar levels of ingenuity. For instance, a male bear once figured out how to leap onto stacked barrels to approach a photographer standing on a platform four metres above the ground.

In another study conducted by Alison Ames in 2008, polar bears were seen engaging in deliberate, focused manipulation of objects. Ames observed wild polar bears creating small piles of objects only to knock them over, seemingly playing a self-invented game. Such behaviour points to the bears' cognitive complexity, hinting that their problem-solving abilities may rival those of some primates.

Emotions, too, are part of the polar bear's repertoire. Though difficult to study, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that polar bears express frustration, for example, when missing a kill, hitting out at ice or snow. Even more striking is their ability to form bonds with other species. In the Arctic, there are accounts of polar bears engaging in playful behavior with sled dogs. In one remarkable case, a hand-raised polar bear named Agee has formed such a close relationship with her trainer, Mark Dumas, that they have been observed swimming together. These examples of emotional intelligence and interspecies relationships are particularly surprising, given that polar bears are known to hunt humans in the wild.

While the health benefits of studying polar bears are undoubtedly significant, the loss of such a magnificent species due to climate change would mean losing an intelligent animal that plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Therefore, protecting polar bears is not just an environmental imperative; it is a moral obligation that could also yield unimagined benefits for human society.

Questions 1 - 7

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage?

In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. Polar bears experience serious health issues due to their high fat levels.
2. Liu's team discovered new genetic variations in polar bears that allow them to live in extreme cold conditions.
3. Brown bears and polar bears are genetically very similar.
4. The gene APOB is linked to cardiovascular disease risk in humans.
5. Female polar bears increase bone density before hibernation to prevent osteoporosis.
6. Wild polar bears often use tools to help them hunt.
7. Polar bears are known to develop friendships with other species.

Questions 8 - 13

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Polar bears play a critical role in understanding human diseases and may provide solutions for conditions such as heart disease and 8. __________. Their genetic makeup, particularly the gene known as 9. __________, helps reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, their ability to maintain strong 10. __________ during fasting offers valuable insights into treating osteoporosis. On the behavioral side, polar bears have shown impressive problem-solving skills, such as using a 11. __________ to obtain food. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that they express emotions like 12. __________ when frustrated. Additionally, polar bears have formed unusual relationships with 13. __________, demonstrating their emotional depth.

• FALSE
• TRUE
• FALSE
• TRUE
• TRUE>> IELTS  TUTOR  hướng  dẫn PHÂN TÍCH ĐỀ THI 30/5/2020 IELTS WRITING TASK 2 (kèm bài sửa HS đạt 6.5)
• FALSE
• TRUE
• Osteoporosis
• APOB
• Bones