Sphagnum

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/sphagnum

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 scientific name?Sphagnum
2. What is Sphagnum moss and why is it called a water sponge?Sphagnum moss is a type of moss that can soak up a lot of water, like a giant sponge. It has special cells that are empty and can hold water, making it super absorbent.
3. How does Sphagnum moss hold so much water?The empty cells in Sphagnum are very big and have porous walls. They pull water in by capillary action and keep it inside, so the moss can hold up to 20 times its dry weight.

Ecosystem Engineer: An organism that creates, modifies, or maintains habitats, significantly impacting other species.
Carbon Sequestration: The process by which atmospheric carbon dioxide is captured and stored in organic matter, such as peat.
Anaerobic Conditions: Environments lacking oxygen, which significantly slows down the rate of decomposition of organic material.