Ecology for Kids

What is the main idea of this article?

• A. Everyone should study to become an ecologist.

• B. It is important to protect all of earth's ecosystems.

• C. The destruction of the ozone layer is an ecological disaster.

• D. The destruction of the rain forests is an ecological disaster.

Read this sentence from the article.

Ecologists also study the delicate balance of using the environment

while protecting it.

Why does the author use the words delicate balance in the sentence above?

• A. because ecology is a delicate subject that some people don't approve of

• B. because people can use tools such as a balance to weigh harmful substances

• C. because there are obvious heroes and villains when it comes to protecting the earth

• D. because making decisions about natural resources often involves difficult decisions

Which of these is an example of an ecosystem?

• A. air

• B. ecologist

• C. forest

• D. mammal

Read this sentence from the article.

Preserving the rainforest is important to all living things.

Which of these does NOT support the author's claim above?

• A. The rain forest is an important habitat for animals.

• B. The rain forest is a major source of Earth's oxygen.

• C. Rain forest plants are a source of important medicines.

• D. Rain forest plants are a major source of Earth's food supply.

What is the section "An Ocean of Resources" MOSTLY about?

• A. the problem of overfishing

• B. animals that live in the sea

• C. why fishing should be banned

• D. how to use and protect the sea

What reason does the author give to support banning fishing where necessary?

• A. Some fish species are in danger.

• B. The ocean provides fish for people.

• C. The sea provides millions of tons of fish.

• D. Fish are a promising new source of energy.

Read this sentence from the article.

Four of Earth's seven continents have traces of what used to be vast

tropical forests.

Why did the author choose the words traces and vast in the sentence above?

• A. because they are synonyms

• B. because they have similar vowels

• C. because their meanings indicate an alarming contrast

• D. because they make up for a lack of factual evidence in the text

Why is the ozone layer important?

• A. It creates new rain forests.

• B. It protects us from the sun's radiation.

• C. It releases oxygen into the atmosphere.

• D. It divides the biosphere into ecosystems.

What has been done to protect the ozone layer?

• A. Some fishing has been banned.

• B. Some chemicals have been banned.

• C. Some new medicines have been created.

• D. Some solar-powered appliances have been made.

Which detail supports the idea that the reader can help protect the environment?

• A. "Put trash in its place."

• B. "Now, these forests are gone."

• C. "Trees give us resources and natural beauty."

• D. "The sea covers four-fifths of Earth's surface."