Protecting the environment
1. Key Words (Easy Definitions)
Environment: everything around living things (air, water, soil, plants, animals).Ecosystem: a place where living things and non-living things interact. Biodiversity: many different kinds of plants and animals living together. Habitat: the home of a plant or animal. Conservation: protecting nature so it is safe for the future. Pollution: harmful things put into air, water, or land. Sustainable: using resources without wasting them. Eutrophication: too much fertilizer enters water, algae grow too much, and fish die. Biomagnification: harmful chemicals become stronger as they move up the food chain. Greenhouse gases: gases that warm Earth (like carbon dioxide).
2. How Humans Harm the Environment
Pollution
Water pollution: dirty water from farms and factories enters rivers and oceans.
Air pollution: smoke from cars and factories.
Land pollution: plastic and other waste left on the ground.
Cutting down trees (deforestation)
Animals lose their homes.
Soil washes away easily.
More carbon dioxide stays in the air, warming the planet.
Overfishing
Too many fish are caught, so fewer are left to reproduce.
Climate change
Burning fuel releases greenhouse gases that warm the Earth.
Too many chemicals
Too much fertilizer causes algae to grow too fast.
Too many pesticides harm helpful insects and animals.
3. How We Can Protect the Environment
Recycle Use materials again so we make less waste.
Plant trees Trees clean the air and provide shelter for animals.
Save energy Turn off lights and devices when not needed.
Use clean energy Solar, wind, and hydro power reduce pollution.
Protect animal habitats National parks and nature reserves prevent damage to wildlife.
Use fewer chemicals Farmers can use better methods so less fertilizer enters rivers.
Stop littering Throw trash in bins and reduce plastic use.
4. Eutrophication (Easy Steps)
Fertilizer from farms washes into lakes or rivers.
Algae grow too quickly.
The algae block sunlight, so underwater plants die.
Bacteria break down the dead plants and algae.
The bacteria use up most of the oxygen in the water.
Fish and other animals die because there is not enough oxygen.
5. How Scientists Study Nature
Quadrat A square frame placed on the ground to count plants. They use it in many places and take an average.
Transect A line laid on the ground to measure how plants change across an area.
These tools help scientists understand how healthy an ecosystem is.
6. Quick Summary
Pollution harms air, water, animals, plants, and humans.
Cutting down too many trees destroys habitats.
Using too many chemicals harms rivers and oceans.
Recycling, saving energy, and planting trees protect nature.
Clean energy reduces climate change.
Healthy environments keep animals and plants safe.