Bumblebees and Biodiversity

Paragraphs 1–2 are organized in a way that–

• discusses the history of biodiversity and ecosystems.

• relates biodiversity to photosynthesis levels.

• describes the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems.

• emphasizes the importance of rainfall to ecosystems.

Bumblebees are–

• not pollinators.

• very good at pollinating.

• responsible for decomposing organic material.

• not really important in most ecosystems.

The word extinction in paragraph 4 means–

• a place to exit.

• to extinguish a fire.

• to exercise your rights.

• to stop existing.

The number of plant and animal species threatened with extinction as of 2019 is–

• 1,000,000.

• 10,000.

• 100,000.

• 1,000.

What might reasonably happen if a large number of bumblebee species were to go extinct?

• We will have price decreases on fresh squash and berries.

• Tomato prices would decrease.

• We would see a shortage of pasta sauce and ketchup.

• Grocery stores would close.

Why do you think it’s important to protect bees and other animals? (use evidence from the story to support your answer)

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Analysis

How do you think the loss of bees might affect the plants, animals, and people around us? (use evidence to support your answer)