ECOLOGY: TAKING CARE OF EARTH

• The term ecology comes from a Greek work that means “the study of the house.” In a way, Earth is the house of all living things. We all live together and interact on the planet that we share. Ecology is the study of these interactions between living things and their environments. Today, we also understand ecology also to mean taking care of the Earth so that humans, plants and animals can all thrive. Sometimes damage is irreversible.
• Ecology is a huge area of study, because it touches on every part of a living thing’s ecosystem that can affect its ability to live. Things like climate, soil conditions, the availability of clean water, and access to natural resources all must be taken into account, along with many things not even listed here. By learning about how living things, including humans, affect each other, we can make smart decisions that protect not just the living things, but the resources that the living things need as well.
• As a young person, you may think that none of this is your responsibility yet. However, there are many things that children can do to help make sure that their world stays healthy so that it will be around for many years to come. Although it may seem strange to be thinking about them already at your age, some day you will have children of your own who will need a safe place to live. The decisions you are making even today can affect them in the future. 
• Conservation is one area of ecology where we can all make a difference, regardless of our ages or where we live. Conservation means using Earth’s limited resources wisely so that they don’t run out. We can also show our support of businesses that make their products using methods and materials  that do not damage Earth. By buying their products, we are telling them that we appreciate their efforts to be Earth-friendly. When you are in your own home, take a moment to think about how you use resources. Most people are just plain wasteful. Leaking toilets, half-filled dishwashers or clothes washers and unattended hoses waste precious water. Leaving lights on and appliances running in rooms where they are not even being used wastes energy.
• We need to take the time to learn about how to save resources, and then put into practice what we learn. Even children can do their part by modeling ways to save resources. Together, we can all make a difference.

Name:__________________________________

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage. Don’t forget to go back to the passage whenever necessary to find or confirm your answers.

1) The passage compares Earth to a house. How are they alike?

2)   Name something people do that could be harmful to animals. 
 3)  Sometimes Earth-friendly products are a little more expensive. Why should you buy them anyway? 
4)   Why do you think people leave lights on when they are not using them? 
5)   What is one thing that you, personally, could do today to help conserve resources?