Habitat Changes Study Guide- Actions of Organisms
3.L.5B.1 Obtain and communicate information to explain how changes in habitats (such as those that occur naturally or those
caused by organisms) can be beneficial or harmful to the organisms that live there.
Action of
Organisms
Humans pollute the
air with emissions
from vehicles and
factories
Humans cut down
trees to build
homes
Humans pollute the
water with toxic
chemicals and trash
Herd animals may
overgraze the land
Humans dig mines
in the ground or
inside mountains
Harmful Effect
Helpful Effect
Organisms breathing unclean air may
become sick or die
None
Animals struggle to find trees and plants for
food and shelter; there are less trees to
clean the air
Drinking water for humans and animals is
poor quality; plants and animals that live in
the water are harmed
Land with less or no grass can be easily
eroded by wind and water; animals may
pollute streams or lakes with their
droppings
Sinkholes can form, swallowing large areas
of land; trees are logged to create areas for
dumping debris from the mine; water can
be polluted by chemical runoff from mines
Water does not reach plants or animals
downstream who depend on it for survival
Plants and animals that thrive in grassland
areas have new areas for shelter and space
Beavers create
dams which block
the flow of water
Due to lack of
There is more competition for space and
resources, animals food
migrate to new
areas
Farmers/companies Long term harm—depleting soil of minerals
replanting fields
with the same crop
repeatedly
None
Herd animals fertilize the land with their
droppings which lead to new plant growth
Extract metals and minerals to build things;
make jewelry; make medicines and
materials, etc.
Dams create pond environments in which
new plants and animals can survive
None
Short term benefit—provide food and/or
resources
Illustration