Preserving Grasslands

What is the primary role of grasslands in relation to climate change?

• Increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Storing carbon dioxide in their root systems

• Promoting wildfire spread

• Reducing wildlife populations

Why are grasslands considered effective at carbon storage?

• They have short roots

• They have long roots that go deep into the soil

• They burn easily in wildfires

• They support fewer wildlife species

Why does the author include information about the variety of plants in grasslands?

• To demonstrate the ecological importance of biodiversity

• To show how many types of grasses exist

• To explain ranching practices

• To discuss plant classification

What is the role of this article?

• To criticize ranching practices

• To explain the environmental significance of grasslands

• To promote tree planting

• To discuss wildlife conservation

How does the title "Preserving Grasslands" add to the text's overall meaning?

• It highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems

• It suggests grasslands are disappearing

• It focuses solely on global warming

• It implies grasslands are under threat

Which TWO sentences from the passage best represent the main idea?

• "Researchers are learning that grasslands may help slow down some of the climate change caused by global warming."

• "The Earth is getting warmer for many reasons."

• "Grasses have long roots that go deep into the soil."

• "Both cattle and wildlife need the same grasslands to live."

What evidence does the author provide to support the claim that grasslands are important for wildlife?

• "They offer food to pollinators like insects and bats."

• "The northern grasslands of the United States stretch from the Dakotas to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains."

• "Most of this landscape is owned by ranchers. They raise cattle, who enjoy eating some of the grasses in the prairie."

• "There are many different types of grasses and flowers growing in the prairies."

What structure does the author use to organize the text?

• Chronological order

• Description

• Cause and effect

• Compare and contrast

Why does the author include the information about carbon dioxide and plant absorption?

• To explain the scientific process of photosynthesis

• To provide context for grasslands' role in climate change

• To discuss plant biology

• To compare different types of plants

What is the main purpose of conservation efforts described in the text?

• To increase cattle ranching

• To protect wildlife and slow climate change

• To eliminate wildfires

• To study plant species