NAME: ____________________
PERIOD: ______
Environmental Science
Endangered Species Field Trip Worksheet
DUE DATE: ____________
DIRECTIONS: Access the websites below and follow the directions.
Enjoy your trip!
Access the following website and answer the following questions:
http://www.powershow.com/view/acf5e-ODk3Y/ENDANGERED_SPECIES_powerpoint_ppt_presentation
1. Write the definitions for the following terms IN YOUR OWN WORDS:
A. Endangered Species:
B. Vulnerable Species:
C. Threatened Species:
2. Recent estimates by scientists state approximately how many species inhabit the
planet?
_________________________
3. In the United States, how many species of plants and animals are listed as
threatened or endangered?
ANIMALS: ____________
PLANTS: _______________
4. In which biomes/ecosystems are most endangered species overlooked?
_______________________________________________________
5. What percent of the world’s land area is dedicated to protecting endangered species?
______________
6. What is the current global extinction rate? ____________________________
7. What is the #1 reason species become endangered in the world?
______________________________
8. List the other 3 main reasons species become endangered on Earth:
A.
B.
C.
9. What is “habitat fragmentation” and how can it cause species to become extinct?
10. What was the Endangered Species Act of 1973?
11. Name FOUR things YOU could do to help save endangered species:
A. _____________________________________________________
B. _____________________________________________________
C. _____________________________________________________
D. _____________________________________________________
Go to the link below and answer the following questions:
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/elements_of_biodiversity/extinction_crisis/
12. What is meant by “background rate of extinction?”
_______________________________________________________________
13. How many species will become extinct per year because of background extinction?
____________
14. Why is it difficult to know the exact number of species that currently become
extinct each year?
_____________________________________________________
Go to the following website and complete the table below:
http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html
For each biome/ecosystem below, give the name of one endangered species found there.
Also list the specific reason(s) they have become endangered. You must make sure that the
species you select lives in the biome (i.e. the prairie dog lives in the grassland, NOT the
desert)
BIOME
ENDANGERED
SPECIES
REASONS FOR ENDANGERMENT
Coniferous Forest
Ocean
Estuary
Desert
Deciduous Forest
Grassland
Tundra
Tropical Rainforest
Go to the link below and answer the following questions:
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle/recovery/index.html
15. What were the four main causes leading to the near extinction of the
bald eagle?
A. __________________________________________
B. __________________________________________
C. ___________________________________________
D. ____________________________________________
16. Why is the bald eagle’s story a “success”?
_____________________________________________________________
Do an internet search to find answers to the following:
17. IN YOUR OWN WORDS: What is the difference between a species that is EXTINCT
and a species that is EXTINCT IN THE WILD?
18. Name AND give a brief description of 5 main reasons why endangered species
should be saved:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
19. What is meant by an “endangered species recovery plan”?
CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE
ENDANGERED SPECIES FIELD TRIP!