Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

How Does Climate Change Cause Habitat Loss? — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This audio-integrated passage, "How Does Climate Change Cause Habitat Loss?", is designed for Grade 6 students and directly addresses NGSS MS-LS2-4. It explains how changes to physical components of an ecosystem, driven by climate change and global warming, lead to the destruction of natural habitats. Students will learn about the impact on animal populations and biodiversity. Key terms like 'habitat loss', 'global warming', and 'ecosystem' are defined to ensure clear understanding. This resource includes engaging activities to deepen comprehension of how climate change causes habitat loss and affects species.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Four scenes show melting ice, drought, flooding, and ocean acidification. Caption: Climate change impacts: ice loss, drought, floods, acidic seas. — Climate change impacts: ice loss, drought, floods, acidic seas.

Climate change is a big problem that affects our planet in many ways. One of the most serious effects is habitat loss. A habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. When a habitat is destroyed or changed too much, the living things that depend on it can no longer survive there.

So, how does climate change lead to habitat loss? It mostly comes down to global warming, which is the long-term heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere. This warming causes many changes. For example, rising temperatures can melt glaciers and polar ice caps. This is a huge problem for animals like polar bears and seals, whose habitats are made of ice. As the ice melts, they lose their hunting grounds and places to raise their young, leading to a decrease in their populations.

Another way climate change causes habitat loss is through changes in weather patterns. Some areas experience more severe droughts, which means long periods without rain. Forests and grasslands dry out, making it impossible for many plants and animals to live there. Other areas might face more frequent and intense floods. Flooding can wash away homes, destroy plant life, and make habitats unsuitable for species that cannot adapt quickly. These extreme weather events directly alter ecosystems, which are communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Ocean acidification is another critical impact of climate change. As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it becomes more acidic. This change harms marine life, especially creatures with shells like corals and oysters. Coral reefs are vital habitats for thousands of fish species, and their destruction due to acidification means a massive loss of shelter and food for these animals. This reduces biodiversity, which is the variety of life on Earth.

The loss of habitats means fewer places for animals and plants to live, find food, and reproduce. This can cause species to become endangered or even extinct. Protecting habitats is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and the balance of nature. Understanding how climate change impacts these natural homes helps us work towards solutions to protect our planet's diverse life.

Interesting Fact: Scientists estimate that over 1 million species are currently at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and other human activities.

What is a habitat?

Animal's homeA type of foodA human cityA big ocean

What is global warming primarily caused by?

Human activitiesVolcano eruptionsMoon phasesOcean currents

How does melting ice impact polar bears?

More places to swimLose hunting groundsEasier to find matesBetter food sources

How do droughts affect habitats?

Increase water levelsDry out plantsAttract more animalsMake oceans warmer

What does ocean acidification primarily harm?

Fish with scalesCreatures with shellsLarge whalesSeaweed growth

Why are coral reefs important habitats?

Provide oxygenHome for fishFilter ocean waterCause ocean currents