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Herbivores of Savanna — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS2-1
MS-LS2-2
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This engaging middle school science passage focuses on savanna herbivores and their role in maintaining the balance of grassland ecosystems. Designed for grades 6-8, the passage aligns to NGSS standards such as MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, and MS-LS2-3, addressing ecosystem dynamics, energy flow, and species interactions. Students will learn how animals like elephants, zebras, and antelopes interact with plants, predators, and the environment to create complex food webs and influence biodiversity. The passage integrates scientific thinking, cause-and-effect analysis, and real-world environmental concerns, with activities such as quizzes, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to reinforce understanding. Glossary terms help build academic vocabulary, and the resource includes audio integration for accessibility. This comprehensive, standards-aligned lesson is ideal for developing scientific literacy and critical thinking about ecosystems and the importance of herbivores in the savanna.

CONTENT PREVIEW

South Africa Zebra (13973136343) — South Africa Zebra eating grass.Image by Peace Corps / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Savannas are grassland ecosystems found in regions like Africa, South America, and Australia. These environments are defined by a mix of grasses and scattered trees, as well as seasonal rainfall. The presence and behavior of herbivores—animals that eat plants—are crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of the savanna ecosystem. Scientists study savanna herbivores to understand how their feeding shapes the landscape and affects the survival of many other species.

How Herbivores Shape the Savanna
In the savanna, large herbivores like elephants, zebras, and antelopes perform essential ecological functions. By eating grass, leaves, and shrubs, these animals control plant growth, which prevents any single species from dominating. For example, elephants can knock down trees and strip bark, creating open areas and allowing more light to reach the ground. This helps grasses thrive and supports smaller herbivores. Zebras graze on tall grasses, while antelopes prefer shorter, fresh shoots. This division of food resources, called niche partitioning, reduces competition and allows many species to coexist.

Systems and Interactions
The interactions between herbivores and plants set off a chain reaction in the ecosystem. When herbivores feed, they also disperse seeds in their droppings, helping plants spread across the savanna. Their movement and grazing patterns can influence the frequency of wildfires, since grazed areas have less dry material to burn. The populations of herbivores are regulated by predators like lions and hyenas, as well as by disease and availability of water. For instance, when rainfall is unusually low, plant growth slows down, leading to food shortages that reduce herbivore numbers. Researchers use data such as population counts and satellite images to track these changes and better understand ecosystem health.

Real-World Applications and Challenges
Human activities, including farming and poaching, can disrupt savanna systems. Overgrazing by livestock may lead to soil erosion and loss of plant biodiversity. Conservationists work to maintain healthy populations of native herbivores to support ecosystem stability. By studying savanna herbivores, scientists learn how energy flows through food webs and how to manage ecosystems sustainably. These lessons are vital as climate change and human development continue to threaten these important landscapes.

In summary, savanna herbivores are more than just plant-eaters—they are ecosystem engineers. Their feeding strategies, movement, and interactions with other species help maintain the structure and function of the savanna. Understanding these relationships helps scientists protect biodiversity and develop better ways to conserve grassland habitats.

Interesting Fact: An adult elephant can eat up to 150 kilograms of plant material per day, shaping entire landscapes through its feeding!

What is the main role of herbivores in the savanna ecosystem?

They regulate plant growth and help maintain ecosystem balance.They serve as the only food source for predators.They increase the number of wildfires.They build nests in trees.

Which of the following animals is NOT mentioned as a major savanna herbivore in the passage?

ElephantGiraffeZebraAntelope

How does niche partitioning help different herbivores coexist in the savanna?

By allowing them to feed on different plants or plant parts.By reducing the overall number of herbivores.By forcing them to migrate every year.By making them all eat the same food.

What is one way herbivores indirectly help plants reproduce?

By dispersing seeds in their droppings.By keeping predators away.By causing more wildfires.By drinking water from rivers.

What does the term 'wildfire' mean as used in the passage?

A controlled fire started by people.A large, natural fire that spreads quickly through grasslands.A small campfire used for cooking.A flash of lightning during a storm.

Why might herbivore populations decrease after a period of low rainfall?

Because less rain means less plant growth and less food.Because more predators appear in the area.Because wildfires increase.Because there are too many trees.

How do scientists track changes in the savanna ecosystem?

By counting animal populations and using satellite images.By tasting the grass.By watching television.By listening to animal sounds only.

If people allow too many livestock to graze on the savanna, what is a possible effect?

Soil erosion and loss of plant biodiversity.An increase in wild predators.More rainfall.Growth of new forests.

Herbivores are always helpful to the savanna. (True/False)

TrueFalse

Niche partitioning allows many species to live together by reducing competition. (True/False)

TrueFalse