Environments Can Change
What do we call a group of living things of the same kind?
species
What is one way rocks can change slowly?
Rocks can be worn away over time by wind and water.
What is a sudden event that can quickly change the environment?
wildfire, earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado, tsunami, landslide, volcano erupting
Name one thing engineers can build to change the environment.
A dam, solar farms, wind turbines
What natural resource cannot be replaced in nature?
A. metals
B. trees
C. water
D. air
A. metals
What is a natural resource? (definition)
A useful material that comes from the natural environment.
How does temperature change affect the environment?
Temperature can change the environment by causing water sources to dry up- which causes negative affects on animals and plants.
What natural event can cause a landslide?
An earthquake
What is one way engineers help prevent flooding?
Building a dam- it can help prevent flooding.
Which of these is an example of a slow change to an environment?
A. An earthquake makes a shi in the ground.
B. A landslide shakes soil and rock loose.
C. A wildfire kills many trees in a forest.
D. A river carries away rock to form a canyon.
D. A river carries away rock to form a canyon.
What are invasive species? (definition)
An organism that causes problems in a new environment, they tend to grow faster and have fewer enemies.
What happens when resources are removed from an area?
It changes the environment.
What can cause wildfires?
Humans or lightning striking
What do scientists need to do before building a dam?
Research the needs of species that live near the river.
You walk through the land and smell burnt trees. What claim can you make using
evidence from your walk?
A. Animals can find more food in this environment.
B. Animals have moved away from this environment.
C. Natural resources have increased in this environment.
D. New species of plants have moved into this environment.
B. Animals have moved away from this environment.
Name one effect of environmental changes on animals.
They loose their food, homes/shelter, may not survive, have to move somewhere else, plants can't grow etc
Name 2 examples of natural resources.
Water, trees, metals, air, minerals
What is a natural disaster that can happen after heavy rain?
What does a dam do?
The dam holds water behind it to form a lake. They let water out of the lake slowly.
The Colorado River is one of the longest rivers in the United States. It created the Grand Canyon by wearing away at the rock surrounding it. It is home to many species of fish and reptiles. People have built dams on the Colorado River to prevent floods and to get electricity.
How would a drought most likely affect the species that live in the Colorado River?
A drought could cause the water to dry up in the river, and the fish in the river could die.
How can humans impact the environment positively?
Recycle, reuse, conserve, pick up trash, research before we cause a change in the environment- look at the impact, protect animals who are endangered
Give an example of a slow change in an ecosystem.
How does a volcanic eruption change the environment?
The soil becomes covered with melted rock and ashes, which has changed Earth's surface. Plants can't grow right away and animals cannot live without plants to eat.
What is an engineers job when building a dam?
Engineers must use the scientists findings to make sure a dam will prevent the flooding without causing too many problems.
The Himalayan blackberry plant is an invasive species. It was brought to the United States over 100 years ago. It now grows wild in many places and causes problems. These plants:
• grow faster than native plants.
• keep young trees from growing.
• block streams so that animals can’t get to them.
• may cause stream bank to wash away.
What is a solution to get rid of this species?
Digging up the roots, poisoning the plant