Vocabulary
The place where an organism lives.
habitat
Preserved remains of organisms from long ago.
fossils
Every habitat must provide food, water, shelter, and this.
space
Restoring wetlands is an example of doing this.
protecting habitats
What is the difference between extinct and endangered animals?
Extinct animals no longer exist, while endangered animals are still alive but at risk of becoming extinct.
Living and nonliving things interacting together in an area.
ecosystem
Fossils found in deeper rock layers are usually this.
older
Which does NOT belong: food, water, shelter, television?
television
Polluting rivers has this effect on ecosystems.
harming plants and animals
Scientists find fern, coal, and crocodile fossils in a desert. What do these fossils reveal?
The area was once warm, wet, and full of plants and water before changing into a desert.
A body part or feature that helps an organism survive.
physical adaptation
Scientists use fossils to learn about these from long ago.
organisms that lived long ago
A rabbit's brown fur helping it hide is an example of this.
adaptation
Cutting down every tree can lead to this habitat problem.
habitat loss
Name three pieces of evidence that a desert was once a wet habitat.
Fern fossils, coal deposits, and crocodile fossils.
An action that helps an organism survive.
behavioral adaptation
Which fossil is probably oldest: one at the surface or one in the deepest rock layer?
the one in the deepest rock layer
Animals and plants depend on these places for survival.
habitats
Name one way people help protect ecosystems.
recycling, restoring habitats, reducing pollution, or protecting wildlife
Why are adaptations important for plants and animals?
Adaptations help plants and animals survive in their habitats by helping them get food, find shelter, stay safe, and reproduce.
A person who works to protect habitats and wildlife.
conservationist
Finding coal in a desert tells scientists this about the area long ago.
was once a warm, wet forest
Fern fossils, coal, and crocodile fossils suggest this type of ancient habitat.
a warm, wet forest or swamp
Give two ways people can help protect ecosystems.
restoring habitats and reducing pollution
If a habitat changes and an organism cannot adapt, what might happen?
The organism may have to move to a new habitat, its population may decrease, or it could become extinct.