Let’s go through each question one by one and check the answers based on what Bill Nye teaches in his Biodiversity episode.
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1) In order for an ecosystem to be healthy it needs a wide range of....
✔ Correct answer:
animals and plants
*(The student wrote “anamals” — that’s a typo, should be “animals”. But the idea is right.)*
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2) Name four ecosystems found on Earth:
Student wrote:
- 1. Savannah
- 2. Desert
- 3. Grasslands
- 4. Taigas
✔ These are all correct! Other possible answers could include rainforest, tundra, ocean, etc., but these four are valid.
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3) 3/4 of the Earth’s surface is covered by ______.
✔ Correct answer:
water
*(Student got this right.)*
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4) What is one way that you can help biodiversity outside of your home?
Student wrote:
Build a bird shelf
✔ That’s okay — though usually we say “birdhouse” or “bird feeder.” A “shelf” might not be the best term, but if they mean a place for birds to nest or eat, it’s acceptable.
Then:
Why should this be attached to the Northeast side of a structure?
Student wrote:
So the birds don’t get too hot.
✔ Actually, the real reason (from Bill Nye) is:
to protect them from cold winds and harsh afternoon sun — especially in winter. The northeast side gets less direct sunlight and wind in many places. So the student’s answer isn’t quite accurate. Better answer: *To keep them safe from strong winds and extreme heat or cold.*
But since this is a worksheet based on the video, let’s stick with what Bill Nye says — he mentions putting birdhouses on the northeast side so they’re sheltered from prevailing winds and sun.
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5) What are two nonliving parts of an environment?
Student wrote:
sea water and
rock
✔ Perfect! Nonliving = abiotic factors. Water and rocks are classic examples.
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6) WAY COOL SCIENTIST — Name four animals shown in the biodiversity lesson that the scientist teaches.
Student wrote:
- fox
- raccoon
- coyote
- deer
✔ All good! These are common animals featured in such lessons. Bill Nye often shows local wildlife like these.
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7) What do animals in a farm ecosystem depend on?
Student wrote:
a farmer
✔ Yes! Farmers provide food, shelter, care — so animals on farms depend on humans (farmers). This is correct.
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8) Name four extinct species named in the video.
Student wrote:
- dodo birds
- passenger pigeons
- pearly mussel
- bighorn sheep
⚠️ Wait —
bighorn sheep are NOT extinct. They’re endangered in some areas, but still alive today.
Bill Nye typically mentions:
- Dodo bird
✔
- Passenger pigeon
✔
- Pearly mussel
✔ (some species are extinct)
- Maybe
Carolina parakeet,
Tasmanian tiger, or
Steller’s sea cow
So the student made a mistake with “bighorn sheep.” Should replace that with another truly extinct animal.
Correct list example:
1. Dodo bird
2. Passenger pigeon
3. Pearly mussel (certain species)
4. Carolina parakeet *(or Tasmanian tiger)*
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9) What is one living thing that depends on a dead tree to grow?
Student wrote:
moss
✔ Good! Moss grows on dead trees. Also acceptable: fungi, mushrooms, beetles, salamanders, etc. But moss is fine.
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## Final Corrections Summary:
- Q1: Fix spelling → “animals”
- Q4: Clarify why northeast side → better answer: “to protect from wind and sun”
- Q8: Replace “bighorn sheep” with a truly extinct animal like “Carolina parakeet”
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Final Answer:
1) animals and plants
2) savannah, desert, grasslands, taigas
3) water
4) Build a birdhouse; attach to northeast side to protect from wind and sun
5) sea water, rock
6) fox, raccoon, coyote, deer
7) a farmer
8) dodo birds, passenger pigeons, pearly mussel, Carolina parakeet
9) moss
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of bill nye the science guy worksheet.
