Which human activity has the potential to greatly affect the equilibrium of an ecosystem?

• cutting down a few small evergreen trees and using them to make holiday decorations

• mowing the playing fi elds in a city park

• washing a car with a detergent-based cleaner

• emptying an aquarium containing many nonnative fi sh of several species into a local lake

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

An increased demand for soybeans has led to an increase in converting native forests and grasslands to fi elds for growing soybeans. One negative consequence of this environmental change has been

• an increase in natural resources for the future

• an increase in the kinds of foods that can be produced

• a decrease in suitable habitats for wildlife

• a decrease in the need to set aside land for conservation

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Building large manufacturing facilities can affect ecosystems by increasing the

• atmospheric quality

• biodiversity in the area

• demand for resources such as fossil fuels

• availability of space and resources for organisms

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

The use of solar panels has increased in the last ten years. A benefit of using solar energy would include

• adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

• using less fossil fuel to meet energy needs

• using a nonrenewable source of energy

• releasing more gases for photosynthesis

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

The governments of many countries have regulations that are designed to prevent the accidental introduction of nonnative insects into their countries. This is because, in these new habitats, the nonnative insects might

• become food for birds

• not survive a cold winter

• not have natural predators

• add to the biodiversity

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Which action could humans take to slow the rate of global warming?

• Cut down trees for more effi cient land use.

• Increase the consumption of petroleum products.

• Use alternate sources of energy such as wind.

• Reduce the use of fuel-effi cient automobiles.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Which human activity can have a negative impact on the stability of a mature ecosystem?

• replanting trees in areas where forests have been cut down for lumber

• building dams to control the flow of water in rivers, in order to produce electricity

• preserving natural wetlands, such as swamps, to reduce fl ooding after heavy rainfalls

• passing laws that limit the dumping of pollutants in forests

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Some birds have recently modified their migratory behavior. Instead of flying to warmer climates during the winter months, the birds are remaining in northern areas where they can consume discarded food that is abundant in landfills. As a result of this change in migratory behavior, many insect populations that the birds normally feed on in the warmer climate areas are now increasing. This is an example of human activity

• interfering with ecological succession

• increasing competition for infi nite resources

• disrupting the homeostasis of organisms

• altering the equilibrium of ecosystems

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which row in the chart below correctly matches the human activity with its effect?

• Row 1

• Row 2

• Row 3

• Row 4

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

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An increase in human population puts a stress on resources that can be renewed, such as

• trees and coal

• water and gasoline

• oil and natural gas

• water and trees

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4