Beavers are often called "ecosystem engineers" because of their ability to modify landscapes by building dams. In a forested valley, a population of beavers has created a series of wetlands by slowing the flow of a river. These wetlands provide habitat for frogs, fish, insects, and birds. However, a nearby human settlement removes the beavers to prevent flooding, causing their dams to break down.
Which of the following is a negative impact of the beavers’ removal on the ecosystem?

Fish populations will increase as the river flows more freely.

Biodiversity will increase as more land is exposed for new plant species to grow.

The wetlands will dry up, reducing habitat for many species and leading to a decline in biodiversity.

There will be no major impact, as other animals will create wetlands in place of the beavers.

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The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered bird species that migrates to the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. It depends on coastal wetlands and estuaries for food, including blue crabs and small fish.
Which human activity would most likely decrease the ability of whooping cranes to survive?

Local zoo presentations that raise awareness about endangered species conservation.

Restrictions on hunting that allow crane populations to increase.

Conservation programs that protect wetland habitats from destruction.

Industrial pollution that contaminates wetland water sources, reducing food availability.

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The Green Peach Aphid is a highly invasive insect that causes decreased growth, shriveled leaves, and the death of various tissues in peach trees. They also spread various plant viruses which can spread to other plants and vital crops. To control an outbreak of invasive aphids, a farmer releases two species of non-native ladybugs in addition to a species of native ladybugs into his field.
Which of the following is a potential unintended negative consequence of releasing these three species of ladybugs into the environment?

The non-native ladybugs will only eat the invasive aphids and then die off.

The native ladybug population will increase within the field.

The non-native ladybugs could outcompete native ladybug species for food.

The non-native ladybugs will improve biodiversity by supporting more plant growth.

Zebra mussels, an invasive species native to Europe, have spread throughout Texas lakes by attaching to boats and other watercraft.

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They rapidly reproduce and form dense colonies that cover surfaces, including growing over native mussels and human-made structures like pipes.

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PART A
Which statement BEST describes how zebra mussels affect a Texas aquatic ecosystem?

They filter and clean the water, improving conditions for native species.

They reduce biodiversity by outcompeting native mussels for space and resources.

They increase fish populations by providing more food sources.

They improve water conditions by preventing algae growth.

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In tropical oceans, sharks are apex predators that regulate fish populations. They keep prey species from overpopulating and depleting important resources. Due to overfishing, many shark populations have dropped by more than 70% in recent decades. In one coral reef ecosystem, where sharks have nearly disappeared, scientists have observed an explosion of smaller predatory fish, such as groupers, which hunt herbivorous fish that feed on algae.
What is the most likely consequence of this change?

The ecosystem will not be affected because other predators will take the sharks’ place.

The increased number of smaller predators will help keep the ecosystem balanced.

The loss of fish will lead to uncontrolled algae growth, smothering corals and reducing reef biodiversity.

The coral reef will recover because fewer sharks means less predation overall.

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Plastic waste from a nearby city has led to a blockage in a river, causing water levels in a wetland to drop significantly. This has exposed large areas of mudflats, reducing aquatic plant populations from lack of water.
Which description best explains how plastic pollution from humans could affect the wetland ecosystem?

The ecosystem would become less stable because fish and amphibian populations would decline due to habitat loss.

The ecosystem would become less stable because decomposers would increase nutrient cycling, leading to overgrowth of plants.

The ecosystem would become more stable because predators would have an easier time hunting in shallow water.

The ecosystem would become more stable because terrestrial (land) animals would have more access to wetland resources.

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The jaguar is a top predator in South American rainforests, controlling populations of herbivores like capybaras and deer. In some areas, deforestation has led to a decline in jaguar populations. Without jaguars, the herbivore populations have grown unchecked.
How might this affect the ecosystem?

Other predators will take over the jaguar’s role, increasing biodiversity and making the ecosystem more stable.

The overpopulation of herbivores will lead to overgrazing, making the producer population less stable.

The rainforest’s biodiversity will increase as herbivore populations increase.

More herbivores will reduce competition in the ecosystem and lead to healthier plant growth.

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In Florida’s freshwater wetlands, alligators dig deep "gator holes" that retain water during dry seasons (long periods of time where there is very little rain). This provides a habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds. However, trophy hunting has reduced alligator populations in some areas.
How does this human activity likely affect the wetland ecosystem?

The wetland ecosystem will remain stable since other animals will create water holes.

The wetland ecosystem will become less stable as many species lose access to water during dry periods.

The wetland will become more stable against droughts without alligator disturbances.

Fish and amphibian populations will increase and become more stable because there will be fewer predators.

Nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents native to South America, were introduced to Texas for the fur trade but have since spread across wetlands, where they consume large amounts of aquatic vegetation.

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PART A
How do nutria negatively impact Texas wetland ecosystems?

They destroy wetland plants, leading to habitat loss and erosion.

They improve wetland health by maintaining open water areas.

They help control invasive plants, making room for native species.

They increase biodiversity by providing food for native predators.

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Copy of Thursday (03/26) - Threats to Biodiversity Practice and Exit Ticket (5/2/2026)

Copy of Thursday (03/26) - Threats to Biodiversity Practice and Exit Ticket (5/2/2026)

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered bird species that migrates to the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. It depends on coastal wetlands and estuaries for food, including blue crabs and small fish.
Which human activity would most likely decrease the ability of whooping cranes to survive?

Zebra mussels, an invasive species native to Europe, have spread throughout Texas lakes by attaching to boats and other watercraft.

They rapidly reproduce and form dense colonies that cover surfaces, including growing over native mussels and human-made structures like pipes.

PART A
Which statement BEST describes how zebra mussels affect a Texas aquatic ecosystem?

The jaguar is a top predator in South American rainforests, controlling populations of herbivores like capybaras and deer. In some areas, deforestation has led to a decline in jaguar populations. Without jaguars, the herbivore populations have grown unchecked.
How might this affect the ecosystem?

Nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents native to South America, were introduced to Texas for the fur trade but have since spread across wetlands, where they consume large amounts of aquatic vegetation.

PART A
How do nutria negatively impact Texas wetland ecosystems?

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered bird species that migrates to the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. It depends on coastal wetlands and estuaries for food, including blue crabs and small fish.
Which human activity would most likely decrease the ability of whooping cranes to survive?

Zebra mussels, an invasive species native to Europe, have spread throughout Texas lakes by attaching to boats and other watercraft.

They rapidly reproduce and form dense colonies that cover surfaces, including growing over native mussels and human-made structures like pipes.

PART A
Which statement BEST describes how zebra mussels affect a Texas aquatic ecosystem?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?

The jaguar is a top predator in South American rainforests, controlling populations of herbivores like capybaras and deer. In some areas, deforestation has led to a decline in jaguar populations. Without jaguars, the herbivore populations have grown unchecked.
How might this affect the ecosystem?

Nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents native to South America, were introduced to Texas for the fur trade but have since spread across wetlands, where they consume large amounts of aquatic vegetation.

PART A
How do nutria negatively impact Texas wetland ecosystems?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?

Copy of Thursday (03/26) - Threats to Biodiversity Practice and Exit Ticket (5/2/2026)

Copy of Thursday (03/26) - Threats to Biodiversity Practice and Exit Ticket (5/2/2026)

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered bird species that migrates to the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. It depends on coastal wetlands and estuaries for food, including blue crabs and small fish.Which human activity would most likely decrease the ability of whooping cranes to survive?

Zebra mussels, an invasive species native to Europe, have spread throughout Texas lakes by attaching to boats and other watercraft.

They rapidly reproduce and form dense colonies that cover surfaces, including growing over native mussels and human-made structures like pipes.

PART AWhich statement BEST describes how zebra mussels affect a Texas aquatic ecosystem?

The jaguar is a top predator in South American rainforests, controlling populations of herbivores like capybaras and deer. In some areas, deforestation has led to a decline in jaguar populations. Without jaguars, the herbivore populations have grown unchecked.How might this affect the ecosystem?

Nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents native to South America, were introduced to Texas for the fur trade but have since spread across wetlands, where they consume large amounts of aquatic vegetation.

PART AHow do nutria negatively impact Texas wetland ecosystems?

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered bird species that migrates to the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. It depends on coastal wetlands and estuaries for food, including blue crabs and small fish.Which human activity would most likely decrease the ability of whooping cranes to survive?

Zebra mussels, an invasive species native to Europe, have spread throughout Texas lakes by attaching to boats and other watercraft.

They rapidly reproduce and form dense colonies that cover surfaces, including growing over native mussels and human-made structures like pipes.

PART AWhich statement BEST describes how zebra mussels affect a Texas aquatic ecosystem?

PART BWhat evidence supports the answer to Part A?

The jaguar is a top predator in South American rainforests, controlling populations of herbivores like capybaras and deer. In some areas, deforestation has led to a decline in jaguar populations. Without jaguars, the herbivore populations have grown unchecked.How might this affect the ecosystem?

Nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents native to South America, were introduced to Texas for the fur trade but have since spread across wetlands, where they consume large amounts of aquatic vegetation.

PART AHow do nutria negatively impact Texas wetland ecosystems?

PART BWhat evidence supports the answer to Part A?

PART BWhat evidence supports the answer to Part A?

PART BWhat evidence supports the answer to Part A?

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered bird species that migrates to the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. It depends on coastal wetlands and estuaries for food, including blue crabs and small fish.
Which human activity would most likely decrease the ability of whooping cranes to survive?

PART A
Which statement BEST describes how zebra mussels affect a Texas aquatic ecosystem?

The jaguar is a top predator in South American rainforests, controlling populations of herbivores like capybaras and deer. In some areas, deforestation has led to a decline in jaguar populations. Without jaguars, the herbivore populations have grown unchecked.
How might this affect the ecosystem?

PART A
How do nutria negatively impact Texas wetland ecosystems?

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is an endangered bird species that migrates to the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. It depends on coastal wetlands and estuaries for food, including blue crabs and small fish.
Which human activity would most likely decrease the ability of whooping cranes to survive?

PART A
Which statement BEST describes how zebra mussels affect a Texas aquatic ecosystem?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?

The jaguar is a top predator in South American rainforests, controlling populations of herbivores like capybaras and deer. In some areas, deforestation has led to a decline in jaguar populations. Without jaguars, the herbivore populations have grown unchecked.
How might this affect the ecosystem?

PART A
How do nutria negatively impact Texas wetland ecosystems?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?

PART B
What evidence supports the answer to Part A?