Human impact on the environment

Science · Ecosystems & Habitats · ages 8-11

Name ______________________ Date ____________

What word means the number of different kinds of living things in a place?
- Pollution
- Biodiversity
- Sustainability
Which of these is a renewable energy source?
- Solar power
- Coal
- Natural gas
A carbon footprint measures how many trees a person has planted.
Circle one: True False
A species with very few individuals left in the wild is called ______.
- endangered
- extinct
- sustainable
Coal, oil, and natural gas are called ______ because they take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly.
- renewable resources
- biodiversity
- fossil fuels
Look at the chart. How many more units of coal (non-renewable) were used than solar (renewable) in this town?
Answer: ______________
A town cuts down its forest to build houses, and many local animals lose their homes. What likely happens to biodiversity there?
- It stayed exactly the same either way
- It likely rose, since new homes were built
- It likely dropped, since many species lost their habitat
Maya says driving alone to the store every day instead of biking doesn't change her carbon footprint. Is she right?
- Yes, cars and bikes use about the same energy
- No, driving burns fuel and adds more carbon dioxide to the air
- No, only because gas costs more money

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Biodiversity · Biodiversity describes how many different species live somewhere, from insects to trees to animals.
Solar power · The sun keeps shining, so solar power never runs out. Coal and natural gas are fossil fuels that get used up.
False · A carbon footprint measures the amount of carbon dioxide a person's actions add to the air, not trees planted.
endangered · Endangered means the species is still alive but at risk. Extinct means it is gone completely.
fossil fuels · Fossil fuels formed underground over millions of years, so once we burn them, they are gone for a very long time.
20 · 35 units of coal minus 15 units of solar is 20. Coal is non-renewable; solar is renewable.
It likely dropped, since many species lost their habitat · Habitat destruction removes homes many species need, so fewer kinds of living things usually remain. That is why conservation matters.
No, driving burns fuel and adds more carbon dioxide to the air · Every car trip burns fossil fuel and adds carbon dioxide to the air. Biking instead lowers her carbon footprint.