In this Grade 7 Life Science lesson from Chapter 16, students learn to classify natural resources as renewable or nonrenewable and examine how human use of these resources leads to pollution and threats to biodiversity. The lesson introduces key vocabulary terms — pollution and biodiversity — and explores how overuse of resources like fossil fuels, water, and forests impacts ecosystems. This content builds on students' understanding of human population growth and its environmental consequences.
Section 1
Humans Classify Resources as Renewable or Nonrenewable
Renewable resources like trees, water, and sunlight can be replaced naturally or by humans. Nonrenewable resources like oil, coal, and minerals take millions of years to form and cannot be quickly replaced.
Section 2
Pollution Travels Through Ecosystems
Pollution happens when harmful substances enter the environment. Air pollutants create acid rain, water pollutants kill aquatic life, and chemicals move between ecosystems through wind, water, and evaporation.
Section 3
Habitat Loss Threatens Biodiversity
When habitats are destroyed through development or invaded by non-native species, plants and animals lose food, shelter, and living space. Biodiversity decreases, making ecosystems less resilient to disturbances.
Section 4
People Consume Water Resources Daily
Humans use water for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. A 10-minute shower uses about 190 liters, while leaving water running while brushing teeth wastes significant amounts of this essential resource.
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Section 1
Humans Classify Resources as Renewable or Nonrenewable
Renewable resources like trees, water, and sunlight can be replaced naturally or by humans. Nonrenewable resources like oil, coal, and minerals take millions of years to form and cannot be quickly replaced.
Section 2
Pollution Travels Through Ecosystems
Pollution happens when harmful substances enter the environment. Air pollutants create acid rain, water pollutants kill aquatic life, and chemicals move between ecosystems through wind, water, and evaporation.
Section 3
Habitat Loss Threatens Biodiversity
When habitats are destroyed through development or invaded by non-native species, plants and animals lose food, shelter, and living space. Biodiversity decreases, making ecosystems less resilient to disturbances.
Section 4
People Consume Water Resources Daily
Humans use water for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. A 10-minute shower uses about 190 liters, while leaving water running while brushing teeth wastes significant amounts of this essential resource.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter