California species of special concern

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/california-species-of-special-concern

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What does 'Species of Special Concern' mean in California?It is a label used by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to flag native animals and plants that are at risk of disappearing because they have few numbers, live only in small areas, or face clear threats. This helps scientists act early to protect them.
2. Why are California's special critters needing help?They are threatened by things like habitat loss from farms and cities, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and human disturbance. These problems can make their homes unsafe.

Indicator Species: An organism whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the condition of an ecosystem.
Habitat Fragmentation: The process by which large, continuous habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches.
Biodiversity Hotspot: A region with a high concentration of endemic species facing significant threats.