What is biodiversity?

• The number of plants and animals that people use for food

• The variety of living organisms in an ecosystem

• The total number of trees in a forest

• The amount of sunlight and rainfall an area gets

Answer explanation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem, including different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. This definition encompasses the richness and complexity of life forms, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What does it mean to be an ecosystem service?

• The ways ecosystems benefit humans and other organisms

• The things that people do to help nature

• The recycling of nutrients in soil

• The amount of rainwater an ecosystem collects

Answer explanation

Being an ecosystem service means recognizing the various ways ecosystems provide benefits to humans and other organisms, such as clean air, water, and pollination, which are essential for survival and well-being.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Give one example of an ecosystem service.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Why is it important to maintain biodiversity?

• It allows humans to remove species that aren’t useful

• It reduces the need for natural habitats

• It prevents animals from reproducing too quickly

• It helps ecosystems remain balanced and resilient to change

Answer explanation

Maintaining biodiversity is crucial as it helps ecosystems stay balanced and resilient to changes, ensuring that they can adapt to environmental shifts and support various life forms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

True or false: all human activities harm biodiversity.

• Yes

• No

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Describe one action to help maintain biodiversity.

Answer explanation

One effective action to maintain biodiversity is to create and protect natural habitats. This helps preserve ecosystems and the variety of species that depend on them, ensuring a balanced environment.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

A town wants to build a new park. Which design choice best supports biodiversity?

• Using artificial grass and one type of tree

• Removing fallen leaves and dead wood to keep the park clean

• Planting native plants and adding a pond

• Spraying pesticides regularly to keep insects away

Answer explanation

Planting native plants and adding a pond enhances biodiversity by providing habitat and food sources for local wildlife, unlike artificial grass or pesticides, which can harm ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

How confident do you feel evaluating solutions of how humans can maintain biodiversity?

• Very confident

• Somewhat confident

• A little confident

• Not confident

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

What are some questions you have about biodiversity and ecosystem services before we begin our unit?

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

NGSS.HS-LS4-5