decomposer

What did the earthworms and fuzzy layer on the leaves do in Cinderella’s garden?

• Made the plants sick

• Broke down dead leaves into food for plants

• Chased away the birds

• Pollinated the flowers

What caused the roses to turn brown and wilt?

• Too much sunlight

• Tiny invisible things (microorganisms)

• The earthworms

• The bees

What did Cinderella do to help the sick roses?

• She removed the sick leaves and buried them in the soil.

• She watered them more.

• She asked the birds to eat the leaves.

• She ignored them.

Why are the earthworms important in the garden?

• They make the garden look pretty.

• They chase away harmful insects.

• They break down dead leaves and turn them into food for plants.

• They pollinate the flowers.

What would happen if the earthworms disappeared from the garden?

• The garden would become healthier.

• The bees would take over their job.

• The roses would grow faster.

• Dead leaves would pile up, and plants wouldn’t get enough nutrients.

The tiny invisible things that made the roses sick are called

Cinderella buried the sick leaves in the soil so the __________ could break them down.

The __________ buzzed around the flowers, helping the plants grow.

The __________ ate the tiny bugs that tried to harm the roses.

The earthworms said, “Even the animals that eat other animals depend on us __________.”