Environmental Science: Habitats in Danger Deforestation and Pollution Worksheet

Question 1

Define habitat in your own words. Then name one animal and the habitat where it lives.

Accepted Answer

A habitat is the place where a living thing gets the food, water, shelter, and space it needs. For example, a frog can live in a pond habitat.

Question 2

A forest is cleared to build new roads and houses. Explain one way this deforestation could affect birds that live in the forest.

Accepted Answer

Deforestation could remove the trees where birds build nests and find food. Some birds may have to move away, and some may not survive if they cannot find another safe habitat.

Question 3

Circle the action that is an example of pollution: planting new trees, spilling oil into a river, picking up trash, or using a reusable bottle. Explain your choice.

Accepted Answer

Spilling oil into a river is pollution because it adds a harmful substance to the water. The oil can hurt fish, birds, plants, and other living things.

Question 4

A stream near a farm becomes muddy after heavy rain washes loose soil into the water. Describe one problem this can cause for fish.

Accepted Answer

Muddy water can make it harder for fish to breathe and find food. It can also cover fish eggs and reduce the sunlight that water plants need.

Question 5

Write D for deforestation, P for pollution, or B for both: A factory releases smoke into the air.

Accepted Answer

The answer is P for pollution because smoke adds harmful substances to the air. It is not deforestation because trees are not being cut down in this example.

Question 6

Write D for deforestation, P for pollution, or B for both: Trees are cut down and trash is left in the forest.

Accepted Answer

The answer is B for both because cutting down trees is deforestation and leaving trash in the forest is pollution.

Question 7

In a forest food chain, leaves are eaten by caterpillars, caterpillars are eaten by birds, and birds are eaten by hawks. Predict what could happen if many trees are cut down.

Accepted Answer

If many trees are cut down, there may be fewer leaves for caterpillars. Then there may be fewer caterpillars for birds, and fewer birds for hawks, so the whole food chain can be affected.

Question 8

List two ways plastic pollution can harm ocean animals.

Accepted Answer

Plastic pollution can harm ocean animals if they eat plastic and get sick. It can also trap animals, making it hard for them to swim, breathe, or find food.

Question 9

A city wants to protect a small wetland where frogs, insects, and birds live. Give one reason wetlands are important habitats.

Accepted Answer

Wetlands are important because they provide food, water, shelter, and places for many animals to raise their young. They also help filter water and reduce flooding.

Question 10

Read the data: Before logging, a forest had 80 deer. After logging, it had 45 deer. How many fewer deer were counted after logging?

Accepted Answer

There were 35 fewer deer after logging because 80 minus 45 equals 35.

Question 11

Choose the best solution for reducing air pollution from cars: drive more short trips alone, walk or bike when possible, leave the engine running when parked, or throw trash in the street. Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

Walking or biking when possible is the best solution because it does not release car exhaust into the air. It also uses less fuel.

Question 12

A pond receives fertilizer runoff from nearby lawns. The extra fertilizer makes algae grow quickly across the water surface. Explain how this can hurt pond life.

Accepted Answer

Too much algae can block sunlight from reaching underwater plants. When algae die and break down, oxygen in the water can decrease, which can harm fish and other pond animals.

Question 13

Explain the difference between cutting one tree for wood and clearing a large forest area.

Accepted Answer

Cutting one tree may have a smaller effect if it is done carefully and new trees can grow. Clearing a large forest area removes habitat for many living things and can greatly change the ecosystem.

Question 14

Name three actions students can take to help protect habitats from pollution or deforestation.

Accepted Answer

Students can reduce waste by reusing and recycling, pick up litter safely with an adult, and plant native trees or flowers. These actions help keep habitats cleaner and provide homes or food for wildlife.

Question 15

Look at a forest edge where some trees remain and some land has been cleared. Explain why animals may need habitat corridors to move safely between forest areas.

Accepted Answer

Animals may need habitat corridors because roads, buildings, or cleared land can separate parts of a habitat. A corridor gives animals a safer path to find food, mates, shelter, and water.

Environmental Science: Habitats in Danger Deforestation and Pollution

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