LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

SCIENCE 9
Quarter 1 Week 5

L I. LEARNING SKILLS

MELC: Relate species extinction to the failure of populations of organisms to adapt to abrupt
changes in the environment. (S9LT -Ie - f -30)
1. Explain index of diversity and population density;
2. Measure species distribution in a community;
3. Identify local and global environmental issues.
4. Identify natural and anthropogenic causes of species extinction;
5. Identify extinct organisms in the Philippines and describe each of them, their habitat
and their possible causes of extinction; and
6. Realize each other’s responsibility and the need for cooperation in conserving and
protecting natural resources.

II. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

What happens to a community when its species diversity is reduced? Does loss of
biodiversity affect an ecosystem’s ability to sustain the species that remain or to perform
certain functions that may contribute to the needs of that ecosystem?
In any ecosystem, organisms need a balanced environment. A balanced ecosystem is one
where all living and nonliving things are interacting harmoniously with one another. If any part
of the ecosystem is disturbed, other parts will also be affected.

III. ACTIVITIES

PRACTICE TASK

Biodiversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth. It is typically a measure of

variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level. Communities with many different
species (a high index of diversity) will be able to withstand environmental changes better than
communities with only a few species (low index of diversity). A community dominated by one
or two species is considered to be less diverse than one in which several different species
have a similar abundance. As species richness and evenness increase, so diversity increases.
A community dominated by several species is considered to be more diverse.
The index of diversity refers to the measure of species distribution in a community. The
following is a step-by-step activity in getting the index of diversity.
1. Record the number of different species of trees present in the area near you. (It is not
necessary to know their names, just make sure that they differ by species.) Record
this number in the data table.
2. Make a list of the trees by assigning each a number as you walk by it. Count the total
number of trees in the area. Record this number in the data table.
3. Write X on tree number 1 in your list. If tree number 2 is the same species as tree
number 1, mark it another X. continue to mark an X under the trees as long as the

1 LEARNER’S COPY
 species is the same as the previous one. When a different species is observed, mark
an O under the tree on your list. If the next tree is different mark it X.
4. Record in your table the number of “runs”.
Hint: Runs are represented by a group of similar symbols in a row. The greater the number
of species the greater the runs for index of diversity.
Example: XXXXOOXO – 4 runs
XXXX – 1 run
OO – 1 run
X – 1 run
O – 1 run
This can be mathematically calculated by using this formula:

𝑵𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒙 𝑵𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒔

𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒙 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 =
𝑵𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒔 (or any plants)

Activity 1: Identify if the following ecosystems show a high or low index of diversity.
Write “High” for high index of diversity and “Low” for low index of diversity on your
answer sheet.

1.________ 2.________ 3.________

4.________ 5.________

A population is the number of organisms of the same species that live in a particular
geographic area at the same time, with the capability of interbreeding. It can be of the same
size, but they may have different densities. Population density just represents the average

2
number of individuals per unit of area or volume. It can be computed using this mathematical
formula:

Population Density = number of individuals / sizes of the area.

Individuals in a population are frequently not distributed evenly. The way individuals
are disseminated or spread throughout their habitat is referred to as population distribution.
The population can be dispersed in a roughly uniform manner, at random, or in clumps.

Most populations are not stable, fluctuating in size over time. They change with the
number of births and when they move into an ecosystem. They also change when members
die or move out of the ecosystem. The fluctuations are usually in response to changes in the
abiotic and biotic factors, which act as limiting factors against indefinite exponential growth of
populations. Limiting factors are environmental conditions that keep a population from
increasing in size and help balance ecosystem. For example, when food resources are
plentiful and environmental conditions are favorable, populations may grow. Conversely, when
predation is strong, populations may become depleted. The carrying capacity is a measure
of how many individuals can a given ecosystem provide for. An individual and its population
is dependent on various components of its ecosystem for necessities such as food or habitat.
If the population size rises above the carrying capacity, organisms die because not all their
needs can be met. An ecosystem can only successfully support a given population. The
carrying capacity is affected by the changes in the environment.

Activity 2: Direction: Analyze the map and identify what is being described or
asked in the questions.

Legend:

Frogs

Fishes

Water Lilies

1. Which species has the largest population in the community?

2. What pattern of distribution is shown by the frogs?
3. What pattern of distribution is shown by the fishes?

3
 4. What pattern of distribution is shown by the water lilies?
5. If the size of the area is 10mx10m, which population has the highest density? Show
your solution.

Environmental Problems

Environmental change is defined as a change or disturbance in the environment

caused primarily by human influences and natural ecological processes. It does not only
include physical changes, but also things like invasive
species infestations, increased mortality of the human and
animal species, destruction of natural habitat and damage to
the quality of soil, water and air. Environmental problems are
the negative consequences of human activity on the
biophysical environment. Human-caused environmental
destruction is a global and ongoing issue. Many changes
occur in the communities. Some areas were destroyed as a
result of natural disasters or human activity.

1. Waste production
• Not only does this create explosion hazards, but methane also ranks as the worst of the
greenhouse gases because of its high global warming potential.
2. Population growth
• This results in a number of issues, such as a lack of fresh water, habitat loss for wild
animals, overuse of natural resources and even species extinction.
3. Water pollution
• Water pollution can have harmful effects outside and the contamination of the water we
drink. It also disrupts marine life, sometimes altering their reproductive cycles and
increasing mortality rates.
4. Deforestation
• This results in loss of habitat for many species, placing many at risk and leading to large-
scale extinction.
5. Urban sprawl
• Has been linked to environmental issues like air and water pollution increases, in addition
to the creation of heat-islands.
6. Overfishing
• Causes an imbalance in ocean life, severely affecting the natural ecosystems.
Furthermore, it has a negative impact on coastal communities whose economies rely on
fishing.

4
7. Acid rain
• Acid rain's ecological effects are most visible in aquatic environments such as streams,
lakes, and marshes, where it can harm fish and other wildlife. Acidic rain water can leach
aluminum from soil clay particles as it flows through the soil and into streams and lakes.
8. Ozone layer depletion
• As ozone depletes, more ultraviolet (UVB) radiation reaches the Earth's surface. UVB
has been linked to skin cancer and eye disease, as well as affecting plant life and causing
a decrease in plankton in marine environments.
9. Ocean acidification
• This increase in acidification can have direct effect on calcifying species, such as
shellfish.
10. Air pollution
• It is directly linked to other environmental issues, such as acid rain and eutrophication.
Animals and humans are also at risk of developing a number of health problems due to air
pollution.
11. Lowered biodiversity
• A lack of biodiversity means that future generations will have to deal with increasing
vulnerability of plants to pests and fewer sources of fresh water.
12. Polar ice caps
• Melting of polar ice caps could lead to extensive flooding, contamination of drinking water
and major changes in ecosystems.
13. Climate change
• It disrupts the Earth's temperature equilibrium and has far-reaching consequences for
humans and the environment. Because of the increased concentration of greenhouse
gases, the energy balance and thus the temperature of the Earth change during the course
of global warming, which has a significant impact on humans and the environment.
14. Poaching
• It is the illegal trade and slaughter of wildlife. Animal and plant parts are sometimes sold
as trophies or folk medicines, and other times as pets or houseplants.

5
Activity 3: Direction: Look at the pictures below and identify the kind of environmental
problem each picture represents.

6
Causes of Extinction

Life depends on life. Animals cannot exist without green plants. Living things create
niche for other living things. But what happens if the living conditions of these organisms are
not ideal for their survival?

Human activities and natural disasters both contribute significantly to the deterioration
of our planet. As the human population grows, so does the demand for various resources.
Food, medicine, shelter, and space to build are all in high demand. As a result, people engage
in activities that significantly alter the environment. Our forests, which provide habitat for
worms, insects, arachnids, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and other
organisms, are being destroyed as a result of Kaingin farming or slash-and-burn agriculture,
illegal logging, and conversion of agricultural areas to housing projects. These activities result
in the removal of a large number of trees, thereby removing the forest cover. This leads to
siltation, flooding, and soil erosion, all of which have long-term consequences. Siltation
damages coral reefs, shallows bodies of water, and suffocates aquatic organisms, resulting in
a decrease in wildlife resources and, eventually, extinction. Deforestation is also exacerbated
by typhoons and forest fires. It destroys vast swaths of forested land, depriving species of their
habitat.

Overfishing also happens in large parts of the ocean through the use of cyanide (for
aquarium fish), dynamite, and inappropriate size of nets. Muro- ami fishing is also applied in
areas with coral reefs. Pollution also contributes to species extinction. In lakes, rivers and
ponds the major problem is eutrophication. This is caused by nutrient from domestic wastes
and runoffs from lands (e.g. ricefield). A “fish kill “usually happens when there is a large
concentration of nutrients in bodies of water. Too much nutrients causes algal bloom and
growth of aquatic plants. When they die and undergo decomposition, they used up oxygen in
water. As a result, aquatic animals die due to lack of oxygen. Toxic wastes like polychlorinated
biphenyl (PCB’s) produced in the making of paint, inks, and electrical insulators also pollute
the water. These become concentrated in the tissues of organisms through biological
magnification and cannot be excreted from their bodies. There are heavy metals like lead,
mercury, and cadmium from factories. Plastics also pollute waterways. When they reach the
sea, they may be eaten by sea creatures like large animals.

In the air, some of the pollutants are nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons from motor
vehicles. It reacts with water vapor or dust particles and produced new irritating chemicals.
Burning coals in factories and power plants produces sulfur dioxide with choking odor. Tiny
particles of soot, dust and smoke are also produced. These particulates block sunlight. When
we breathe, it may enter our lungs. Pollution also affects the species of animals. The Philippine

7
Eagle, considered the rarest and second largest eagle in the world, mate in the air at high
altitudes lays only one egg every two years. Pollution makes the eggshell thin and not hatch.

The trapping of heat by carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere is called
the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural process where a continuous
increase in the amount of these gases intensifies heat. The presence of nitrogen oxides and
sulfur makes the rain more acidic resulting in acid precipitation. This is harmful to living things.
It makes the yellowing of leaves of plants and loss of nutrients from the soil. Overcollection or
over harvesting also poses a serious problem in the environment. It deprives some species’
chance to reach maturity and reproduce.

Activity 4: Read the information about the causes of extinction and complete the
table below by identifying at least five human activities or natural calamities and their
effects to the environment and to wildlife species.

HUMAN ACTIVITIES/ EFFECTS TO THE EFFECTS TO WILDLIFE

NATURAL CALAMITIES ENVIRONMENT SPECIES
Example: Illegal logging deforestation Loss of habitat
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The Philippines is home for diverse organisms. Its climate favors the growth of different
populations of organisms. But unfortunately, natural and anthropogenic causes threaten
species resulting to their declining numbers and sometimes extinction. The rate at which
species disappears or becomes extinct is difficult to determine.
• Extinction is the disappearance of a species when the last of its members dies.
• Endangered species is a species in which the number of individuals falls so low
that extinction is possible.
• Threatened species are species that have rapidly decreasing numbers of
individuals.
• Mass extinction is the disappearance of huge members of species in a relatively
short period of time.

Endangered Species in the Philippines

1. Philippine crocodile 5. Tarsier

2. Dugong 6. Kalaw
3. Philippine Eagle 7. Pawikan
4. Tamaraw 8. Pilandok

8
Timeline of extinction of representative microorganisms, plants and animals

Name of Extinct Description Date of Changes in the

Species Extinction environment/Causes
of Extinction

1. Cebu warty pig Wildpig that lived on Holocene Habitat destruction

(Sus cebifrons the Island of Cebu. Declared extinct
cebifrons) in 2000 human exploitation
2. Luzon buffalo Lived on Luzon Pleistocene unknown
(Bubalus sondaari)

3. Luzon giant tortoise Lived on Luzon Pleistocene unknown

(Megalochelys sondaari)

4. Mighty stegodon Lived in plains of Pleistocene Unfavorable

(Stegodon luzonensis) Luzon, Mindanao geographical
and entire phil. conditions
archipelago
human exploitation

5. Guam reed-warbler Small songbird that Have not seen Habitat destruction
inhabited the since 1969 and
wetlands of Island was declared Use of pesticide
of Guam extinct by the
IUCN in 2016
6. Dodo bird Lived in the Island of Become extinct in Introduction of pigs
Mauritius 1690 and cats

7. Passenger pigeon United States of Disappeared in hunting

America and other 1914
parts of North
America
8.. Akialoa ellisiana It was seen for Habitat loss
the last time in
1894 illness
9. Santa Maria ground found in mountain Declared extinct drought
beetle forests of the by IUCN IN
Azores(Island of 2018
Santa Maria)

10.Viola cryana Found in Last seen in Excessive limestone

limestone hills in 1927 and extraction
France’s declared extinct
Bourgogne-Yonne by IUCN in 2011
Department

9
 11.Adam’s mistletoe Found in forest Last seen in Habitat destruction
margins of North 1954 and
Island in New declared extinct Declining numbers of
Zealand. in 2014. insect pollinator’s

Introduction of invasive
species
12.Kaua’i black A perennial herb It hasn’t been Introduction of
snakeroot native to Hawaiian found since invasive plants.
Island of Kaua’i. It 1950 and was
grew on steep grassy declared by
slopes. IUCN extinct in
2016

Based on the fossil record, the baseline extinction rate is about one species per every
one million species per year. The current rate of extinction is at least 100-1,000 times nature
intended. This is due to human interference. Most of the environmental problems today are
caused by human activities and population explosion. People must realize that changing the
way they interact with nature will ensure survival of all living things. It is clear that maintaining
the resources needed for survival while ensuring its availability in the future is a great
responsibility. Let us all remember that “sustainable development” is the key.

Activity 5 – Study the table showing the timeline of extinction of representative

species. Answer the guide questions that follow in your worksheet.
Guide Questions:
1. Based on the table, what are the common causes of species extinction? Explain.
2. How does the change in the environment affect the species population in an area?
3. If a population of a species failed to adapt to abrupt changes in the environment what do
you think would result?
4. In your own way, what can you do to help protect and conserve the environment?

ASSESSMENT

Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your Worksheet.

1.Which of the following is NOT a cause of deforestation?
a. Kaingin farming b. Illegal logging
c. Conversion of agricultural lands to housing projects d. algal blooms

2. The major cause of wildlife depletion is

a. Dynamite fishing b. Loss of habitat c. Overharvesting d. All of these

10
3. Acid rain is a result of ___________ from factories and vehicles.
a. Water pollution b. Air pollution c. Noise pollution d. Deforestation

4. This refers to the rate at which society uses renewable resources does not exceed the
rate at which the resources are generated.
a. Balanced environment b. Sustainable development
c. Environmental protection d. None of the above

5.The term used when large numbers of species disappeared in a short period of time.
a. mass extinction b. mass termination
c. mass disappearance d. evolution

6.It is the practice of protecting and saving wild species of plants and animals and their
habitat
a. Wildlife preservation c. Wildlife conservation
b. Wildlife rehabilitation d. Wildlife caring

For Questions 7 -10: Analyze the following statements below. Answer with the letter that
corresponds to the given statements.
a. Both statements are correct.
b. First statement is correct, second statement is incorrect.
c. First statement is incorrect, second statement is correct.
d. Both statements are incorrect.

7 I. Communities with many different species has a low index of diversity.

II. Communities with only a few species has a high index of diversity.

8. I. Population density represents the average number of individuals per unit of area or
volume.
II. Population size describes how the individuals are distributed, or spread throughout
their habitat.

9. I. Availability of food, water and living conditions keep a population in increasing in size
and in balancing the ecosystem.
II. Organisms may die if the population size rises above the carrying capacity of an
ecosystem.

10. I. Organisms do not need a balanced environment.

II. Living things create role and position for other living things.
.

IV. RUBRIC FOR SCORING

Score Descriptor
* Response is correct, complete, and appropriate
5 * Contains elaboration, extension, and higher order thinking skills
* There is no evidence of misconceptions
* Response is generally correct, complete, and appropriate although minor
4 inaccuracies appear
* Contains limited elaboration, extension, and higher order thinking skills

11
 * Response has very limited evidence of elaboration, extension, and higher order
3 thinking skills
* Inaccuracies, omissions, and inappropriateness is more than minor
* Response is inaccurate, incomplete, and/or inappropriate
2 * There is little if any evidence of elaboration, extension, and higher-order thinking
* There is evidence of significant misconceptions
* Response is an unsatisfactory answer to the question and fails to address the
question
1
* There is no evidence of elaboration, extension, or relevant prior knowledge.
* There is evidence of serious misconceptions

V. REFERENCES

Deladia, Novy A. Grade 9 Science Module: Biodiversity: Index of Diversity and Measuring
Popilation Density. Department of Education Region V
Deladia, Novy A. Grade 9 Science Module: Biodiversity: Local and Global Environmental
Issues. Department of Education Region V
Dolot, Mary Ann D. Grade 9 Science Module: Biodiversity and Evolution: Causes of
Extinction. Department of Education Region V
Dolot, Mary Ann D. Grade 9 Science Module: Biodiversity and Evolution: Timeline of
Extinction of Representative Microorganisms, Plants and Animals. Department of Education
Region V

What did you learn today? Complete the following sentence prompts with your answers.
 Today, I learned that…
 One thing I didn’t quite understand is…
 One question I want to ask my teacher is…

12
 Learning Activity Sheet
SCIENCE 9
Quarter 1 Week 5
Worksheet Number 5

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ________________

Grade & Section: ______________________________ Score: _______________

PRACTICE TASK

Activity 1: Identify if the following ecosystems show a high or low index of diversity. Write
“High” for high index of diversity and “Low” for low index of diversity on your answer sheet.
1.____________________ 4. ___________________
2. ___________________ 5. ___________________
3. ___________________

Activity 2: Direction: Analyze the map and identify what is being described or asked in the
questions.

Legend:

Frogs

Fishes

Water Lilies

1. ________________________ Solution to Question No.5

2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
5. ________________________

Activity 3: Direction: Look at the pictures and identify the kind of environmental problem each
picture represents.
1._____________________________ 6. ______________________________
2. _____________________________ 7. ______________________________
3. _____________________________ 8. ______________________________
4. _____________________________ 9. ______________________________
5. _____________________________ 10. _____________________________

1 Please answer and submit this to your teacher/ adviser.

Activity 4: Read the information about the causes of extinction and complete the table below
by identifying at least five human activities or natural calamities and their effects to the
environment and to wildlife species.
HUMAN ACTIVITIES/ EFFECTS TO THE EFFECTS TO WILDLIFE
NATURAL CALAMITIES ENVIRONMENT SPECIES
Example: Illegal logging deforestation Loss of habitat
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Activity 5 – Answer to Guide Questions:

1. ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

ASSESSMENT

1. ______ 6. ______
2. ______ 7. ______
3. ______ 8. ______
4. ______ 9. ______
5. ______ 10. ______