Focus 6 - Organisms Affect Their Environment - 4.ESS2.3

The image shows an overhead view of a section of land. Which human action most likely led to the development of the land in this way?

• building of cities

• expansion of agriculture

• laying of railroad tracks

• mining of fuel

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Cattle feed on grasses. Too many cattle feeding in one area removes grasses and makes the topsoil loose. How do cattle impact the area where they feed?

• Removing grasses increases soil erosion.

• Removing grasses decreases soil erosion.

• Feeding increases rocky topsoil.

• Feeding decreases rocky topsoil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Each image shows the results of organisms interacting with their environment. Which image(s) provide(s) evidence that organisms can change the long-term physical characteristics of their environment?

• 1 only

• 2 only

• 1 and 2 only

• 2 and 3 only

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Earthworms live in soil, as shown. Earthworms make holes through the ground as they eat the soil and dead parts of plants and animals. How does the activity of earthworms change the soil?

• It moves soil deep underground.

• It causes the soil to become sandy.

• It decreases the water in the soil.

• It increases air spaces in the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The presence and death of large numbers of plants and animals millions of years ago affect the physical characteristics of land today. In what way do the organisms affect the area after millions of years?

• They create habitats for new organisms.

• They break existing rocks to form soil.

• They create deposits of fossil fuels.

• They decrease the space for animals living underneath the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Coyotes, deer, and birds live in a meadow near a shopping mall. Humans pave over the meadow to create a parking lot. Many coyotes, deer, and birds move out of the area. How have humans affected the area around the mall?

• Humans increased available fresh water for the animals.

• Humans caused an increase in the number of animals around the mall.

• Humans took away land the animals need to live.

• Humans gave the animals new locations to hide.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which statement about elephants supports the idea that animals can change their physical environments?

• Elephants use their trunks to help them breathe, smell, and drink.

• Elephants uproot and knock down trees and other plants.

• Elephants use trumpets and other sounds to keep in touch with family groups.

• Elephants use their ears to help keep them cool in their warm habitats.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which claim is supported by the information?

• Plants grow better in locations where a large amount of soil is lost each year.

• The amount of soil lost is higher in locations that get more rain.

• Having plants in a location can slow down the amount of soil lost.

• The amount of soil lost depends on the type of plant present in the location.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Which three animal actions will change the area where they live?

• monkeys sitting in the shade from a tree

• beavers building a dam across a river

• herd of cattle eating all the grass in a field

• dolphins swimming in groups in the ocean

• octopuses gathering pebbles into a pile

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Soil organisms, like worms, create tunnels through soil, creating spaces and breaking down materials in the soil. A student claims that soil organisms play an important role for healthy soil that helps plants grow. The student lists information to support the claim in a chart. 1. Soil organisms make it easier for water to move through the soil. 2. Soil organisms change materials into nutrients. 3. Soil organisms help with the removal of soil by water and wind. 4. Soil organisms allow roots to move deep into the soil. Which information from the chart correctly supports the student’s claim?

• 1 and 3 only

• 2 and 3 only

• 2, 3, and 4

• 1, 2, and 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4