Question: What major environmental factor does a mammalogist studying Arctic tundra mammals most likely link to seasonal breeding patterns?

Mon, 04 May 2026 05:52:27 +0000

**What major environmental factor does a mammalogist studying Arctic tundra mammals most likely link to seasonal breeding patterns?** Beyond the harsh extremes of ice and wind, Arctic mammals face one defining force that shapes their life cycles: seasonal change. What major environmental factor does a mammalogist studying Arctic tundra mammals most likely connect to these breeding rhythms? The answer lies in the critical interplay of daylight duration and temperature shifts. As the Arctic experiences dramatic changes in sunlight—from near-constant daylight in summer to near-total darkness in winter—mammals rely on these cues to time vital reproductive events. As spring arrives and daylight extends, rising temperatures and the melting of snow and ice unlock access to food, reduce physical stress, and signal the begin—through reproductive readiness. Conversely, the deep winter’s cold and short days trigger dormancy or postponed breeding, conserving energy when survival demands it most. ### Why seasonal breeding patterns are gaining attention in the U.S.