How Do You Spell ATLAS BEAR?

Pronunciation: [ˈatləs bˈe͡ə] (IPA)

The Atlas bear, a subspecies of the brown bear, was once found in North Africa's Atlas Mountains, but is now extinct. The spelling is straightforward: a-t-l-a-s b-e-a-r. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word would be /ˈæt.ləs bɛr/. The "a" in "atlas" is pronounced like the "a" in "apple," and the "t" is pronounced the same as in "tea." In "bear," the "ea" is pronounced like "e" in "bed," and the "r" is pronounced by tapping the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

ATLAS BEAR Meaning and Definition

1. The "atlas bear" is an extinct species of bear (Ursus arctos crowtheri) that was native to the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. Also known as the Barbary bear, it derived its name from its habitat. The atlas bear was a large and powerful animal, with males reaching weights of up to 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms), making it one of the largest bear species to have existed. It possessed distinctive physical characteristics, such as a dark brown or black fur, a white or tan crescent-shaped patch on its chest, and a pronounced forehead crest.

   The atlas bear primarily inhabited forested regions, utilizing its strength and agility to navigate the terrain. Its diet mainly consisted of vegetation, including acorns, fruits, and tree bark, although it may have occasionally preyed upon small animals. Historically, the atlas bear's range spanned across the northern parts of Africa, from Morocco to Libya.

   However, due to habitat loss, hunting pressure, and conflict with humans, the atlas bear gradually declined in population during the 19th and 20th centuries. The last known individual was killed in the mid-1800s in the Zaghreb Mountains of Algeria. Today, the atlas bear is considered extinct, serving as a poignant reminder of the impact that human activity can have on the survival of species.

Etymology of ATLAS BEAR

The word "atlas bear" has its etymology rooted in several components. The term "atlas" refers to the Atlas Mountains, a mountain range in northwestern Africa where the bear was once prevalent. It is named after the Titan Atlas from Greek mythology, who was condemned to hold up the heavens for eternity. The association with the Atlas Mountains is due to the ancient belief that these mountains were the mythical titan's place of residence. The term "bear" is derived from Old English "bera" and Old Norse "bjorn", both of which mean "bear". Thus, "atlas bear" combines the geographical reference to the Atlas Mountains with the name of the animal, signifying a bear species native to that region.