Guano

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

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/guano

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 is the geographic concentration?Primarily found on arid islands and coastlines influenced by nutrient-rich upwelling currents
2. What is the key chemical components?High concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)
3. Why is guano smelly?Because it is made from bird poop, it can have a strong odor, especially when it is fresh.
4. How does guano help plants grow?Guano contains lots of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which give plants the nutrients they need to grow big and strong.

Biogeochemical deposit: A substance formed by the interaction of biological, geological, and chemical processes.
Upwelling currents: Ocean currents that bring cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep sea to the surface.
Paleoecology: The study of ancient environments and ecosystems through fossil and geological evidence.