Environmental Changes

If humans overhunted a population of insect-eating birds, what is the first effect that would likely be seen in the area?

• 
  Severe loss of vegetation

• Migration of small mammals

• Decreased seedling germination

• 
  Increased populations of insects

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Squirrels depend on trees for shelter and for food. A decrease in the population of squirrels would be expected as a result of which of the following actions by humans?

• Monitoring populations of organisms

• Collecting soil and water samples

• Hunting large predators

• Clearing forests to build homes

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico includes sea urchins that live on the seafloor and eat manatee seagrass. An overpopulation of sea urchins can be harmful to their ecosystem because which of the following could occur?

• Manatee seagrass would grow taller than usual.

• Animals that eat sea urchins would have more provided food.

• Temperature of the sea water would quickly rise

• 
  Resources needed by other animals would be greatly reduced.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

If humans cleared a forest and built homes where the forest once was, we would expect which of the following?

• More development of soil

• Fewer tree-dwelling animals

• More frequent thunderstorms

• Increased insect populations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Kudzu is a non-native climbing vine that was introduced into North America. Which of these best describes one reason releasing nonnative plants is harmful to a habitat?

• They compete with native species for resources.

• They require sunlight to live and grow.

• They provide a food source for wildlife.

• They are shelter for small animals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The tokay gecko is a reptile that lives in Florida. It hunts insects at night and sleeps during the day. Which of the following would most likely lead to a decrease in the population of tokay geckos in a certain area?

• 
  Humans planting flowers that are pollinated by insects

• 
  A decrease in the number of large predators

• Introduction of a new species of animal that eats insects

• 
  An extended period of warm, rainy weather

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How could beavers building a dam cause an increase in fish population?

• The dam blocks a river and creates a large lake.

• The dam forces many birds to leave the ecosystem.

• The dam removes trees from around the river.

• 
  The dam results in predators hunting more fish.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Releasing pets into the environment can cause harm to a habitat if the pets are animals that are not native. Which of these best describes one of the reasons releasing nonnative animals is harmful to a habitat?

• The animals can’t find the food they need, so they starve to death.

• The animals produce offspring with native animals, creating new species.

• The animals have to evolve quickly to adapt to a habitat unlike the one they came from.

• The animals compete for resources and have no natural predators.

Kayla and her family love to go to the Everglades National Park every year. They have noticed many signs warning of boa constrictors and pythons in the area, which are not native snakes. How can releasing nonnative animals into a habitat be harmful to the native organisms?

• The nonnative animals compete with native species.

• 
  Other organisms can’t feed on the new organisms.

• The nonnative animals grow larger than the native species.

• The native organisms produce more offspring.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Jordan and his friend always camp in the same spot at a popular campground. On a recent camping trip, they notice there is far less vegetation than the last time. Which of the following is the most likelycause for the loss of vegetation?

• Food litter attracting bears

• Heavy foot and vehicle traffic

• Evacuation due to recent flooding

• Overfishing of the nearby lake

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4