SCIENCE 10 QUARTER 3

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Science
Quarter 3 – Module 10
Human Impact on the Environment:
Double Edge Sword
Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines
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Science – Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 10: Human Impact to the Environment: Double Edge Sword
First Edition, 2020
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Lesson
1
Analyzing Environmental
Issues
Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution,
burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change,
soil erosion, poor air quality, and not potable water. These negative impacts can affect
human behavior and can prompt mass migrations or battles over clean water.
The expansion of human population and the requirements of our growing human
family place strenuous demands on our environment. Through human intervention, we have
altered our ecosystem forever. However, though some of these changes may be negative,
humans also have the power to correct our mistakes and change our environment for the
better.
What’s New
ACTIVITY 2.2: TINKER MIND!
1. Choose from the following topics below:
a. Endangered species
b. Land pollution
c. Deforestation
d. Air pollution
e. Water pollution
2. Research on the underlying problem and solution on this Human Caused Problems to
the environment.
3. Write your output (result of your research) in a creative manner by choosing 1 from
the list:
a. Spoken poetry
b. Song writing
c. Fliptop Battle
d. Monologue
What is It
THE GROWING POPULATION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
The growing population played an important role in the destruction of our
environment. Human’s alterations have single-handedly posed the greatest threat to our
biosphere. The population growth has demanded efficiency in everything. Human altered
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environments have caused deforestation in rainforests. Aquatic habitats, and wetlands have
been converted to residential developments.
The Philippines is considered as one of the biologically richest country in the world
because of its high biodiversity at various levels. It has both aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems and a high degree of endemism with higher numbers of native species of flora
and fauna are found only in our country.
HOW DO HUMANS IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT?
Human activity has been affecting the environment for thousands of years, from the
time of our very earliest ancestors. Since homo sapiens first walked the earth, we have been
modifying the environment around us through agriculture, travel and eventually through
urbanization and commercial networks. At this point in earth’s physical history, our impact on
the environment is so substantial that scientists believe “pristine nature,” or ecosystems
untouched by human intervention, no longer exist.
In ways both positive and negative—and likely in more ways than you’d even think—
human civilization and technology have affected our earth, altering our planet forever.
Consider these five tangibles impacts our species has had on the environment, and whether
you’re one who will advance their effects or intercede to halt them.
HUMAN POPULATION BOMB
Human overpopulation has been a concern for scientists since at least 1798, when
Thomas Malthus first published his finding that, without significant and ongoing technological
innovation, the human population would almost certainly outstrip the planet’s food supply. In
1968, this concern was again raised in Stanford professor R. Paul Ehrlich’s book “The
Population Bomb.”
Accommodating population growth has been a root cause for much of the impact
we’ve had on our environment. Since Malthus first noted his grave concerns, technological
advances have created a new double-edged sword: health and abundance. Our food supply
today can support more lives than ever, and advances in medical science have led to
increasingly longer lifespans. But this reality has the profound side effect of reducing
population turnover and leading to its rapid expansion. So as our quality of life and life
expectancy improve, the challenges formed by overpopulation accelerate as well.
AGRICULTURE, DOMESTICATED ANIMALS AND GENETIC MODIFICATION
The demand to feed a growing human population has facilitated notable advances in
agriculture, which was the first major human innovation to enable our survival as species.
Early agriculture allowed hunter-gatherer cultures to settle in an area and cultivate their own
food. This immediately impacted the environment by transplanting non-native species to new
areas, and by prioritizing the cultivation of certain plants and animals over others. More
recently, advances in genetic modification have raised concerns about the environmental
impact of newly developed crops.
The domestication of livestock and other species, including dogs and cats, by early
humans altered the land in significant ways. Grazing animals contributed to environmental
change by depleting native grasses and contributing to soil erosion. And we now know that
the rapid expansion of cattle populations to meet human dietary demands has contributed
substantially to changes in the composition of gases within the atmosphere.
The industrialization of agriculture in the last several centuries has worsened these
effects, but it has also prompted a subsequent wave of counter-movements, which seek to
undo the negative effects of human intervention. People today are increasingly aware of the
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Deforestation Source: http://www.google.com
Water pollution, Source: http://www.google.com
Kaingin Photo credit: Janmar D. Gomonan
impact vast factory farms have on the environment and seek to return to smaller farms and
even urban gardens. As “eating local” rises in popularity, urban land is being reclaimed for
traditional agriculture and the environment is once again altered due to human labor
DEFORESTATION AND REFORESTATION
Growing populations must be housed, which
means they seek more space to build homes and
cities. This often involves clearing forests to make
room for urban and suburban development, as well as
to provide building materials. Currently, it is estimated
that 18 million acres of trees are clear-cut every year to
create space for development and to be used in wood
products.
Deforestation has many effects, including
decreasing oxygen levels (and increasing greenhouse
gases), elevated risk of soil erosion and the
destruction of animal habitats. But as is the case with
industrial agriculture, some groups have endeavored
to create a positive counter-impact to deforestation’s
detrimental effects on the environment. Reforestation
efforts seek to replace as much forest land as possible
every year, and it is currently estimated that about 40
percent of the trees removed each year are being
replaced.
POLLUTION
Human activities affect the environment by
contributing to air pollution, or the emission of harmful
substances into the air. While it can be difficult to
understand which pollutants are associated with
specific effects on the environment or public health, it
is generally accepted that air pollution can indeed
cause public health problems and also harm plant and
animal life.
Pollution isn’t just limited to the air. It can affect soil or waterways and can come from
human waste, industrial chemicals and other sources. These toxins can exert tremendous
effects on the natural world, leading to environmental degradation and problems like acid rain
and harmful algal blooms in the ocean. Environmental protection laws on the local and
federal level have been enacted as a means to stem the ecological damage caused by
pollution, and some communities have engaged in ongoing conversations aimed toward
promoting sustainable, low-impact living.
GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Among the most critically impactful ways that humans have affected the earth is our
extraction and consumption of fossil fuels and their attendant CO2 emissions. Recent studies
indicate that CO2 emissions contribute to the deterioration
of the earth’s ozone layer, which may, in turn, contribute to
global climate change; this is especially true when
emissions are combined with the loss of the carbon-sink
effect of forest lands (due to deforestation) and existing
particulate matter in the air. Though the scale and impact
of such climate change are up for debate, the scientific
community has reached a consensus that human activity
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does have some degree of impact on the global climate.
However, though some of these changes may be negative, humans also have the
power to correct our mistakes and change our environment for the better. Management and
concerned with conserving a single species carry with it the possibility of negatively affecting
the population of other species. Determining habitat needs is only one aspect of saving
species. When dealing with comprehensive preservation, it is vital that we look at the entire
spectrum-extend the help beyond keystone species to every species in the community.
What’s More
DO YOUR PART! BE A RESPONSIBLE STEWARD OF ENVIRONMENT
ACTIVITY 2.3.
1. ACT IT OUT: If you will become the Secretary of Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and upon knowing the impact of human to the
environment,
a. make a 1-year plan on how to combat/lessen this negative impact to the
environment.
b. Prepare a visual presentation to present this to the President of the Republic of
the Philippines.
c. Your work plan should be extensive and achievable. (see the attached format for
your information)
WORK PLAN
What I Have Learned
To an Earthkeeper, love is not a feeling or something you barter with. Love is the essence of
who you are, and it radiates from you as a brilliant aura: You become love, practice
fearlessness and attain enlightenment.
-Alberto Villoldo-
ACTIVITY 2.4: WISHLIST AND BARTER TRADE
Barter is an act of trading goods or services between two or more parties without the use of
money (or a monetary medium, such as a credit card). In essence, bartering involves the
provision of one good or service by one party in return for another good or service from
another party.
1. Imagine the impact caused by human being to the environment. Compare our world
today from 20-30 years ago.
2. Make a wish list on the things that was seen 20 years ago but no longer around/in
practice today.
Objectives Targets Strategies
Means of Verification
(MOV)
Persons
Involved
Time Success
Indicator
Source: http://www.google.com
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3. Think of what you are willing to “barter” to make this dream a reality.
Wishlist Barter
QUESTION:
1. What kind of environment do you imagine in our future?
2. List down two (2) environmental conservation practices and explain each. Rate
each conservation practice done by other people/organization.
3. Is your wish list attainable?
4. Write ways on how to achieve your dream future environment.
What I Can Do
ACTIVITY 2.5: ASSESS AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM
The Worst Oil Spill in Philippine Waters
On August 11, 2006, one of the biggest environmental tragedies in Philippines
marine ecosystem was recorded. The oil tanker M/V Solar sank in the Guimaras Strait off the
coast of Guimaras and Negros Occidental provinces, causing some 500,000 liters of oil to
pour into the open seas. It is dubbed as the worst oil spill the Philippines had ever seen. The
Guimaras oil spill severely polluted approximately 40 km of Antiques’ pristine coastline and
destroyed more than 230m hectares of untouched mangrove forests which are home to
thousands of marine flora and fauna.
The dumping of oil in open seas, accidental or deliberate, can have tremendous and
immediate environmental. Economic and social consequences. Oil spill can kill marine
animals and plants, local people lose their livelihoods as fisheries and tourism areas are
temporarily closed, and the clean0-up costs are enormous.
The strait of Guimaras is considered as one of the most productive fishing grounds in
the Philippines. Its beaches are favorite destinations of foreign and local tourists. Guimaras
Strait is home to pristine white sand beaches, several marine sanctuaries, unspoiled coral
reefs and mangrove forests. Threatened species, such as dugong, green and hawksbill
turtles, and several cetacean species, can also be found along the Strait.
QUESTION:
1. Upon understanding the problem above, what conservation and preservation efforts
should be done to ensure the survival of organisms in that area?
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Assessment
Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following best describes the main focus of sustainability in the
modern world?
A. Using Earth’s natural resources without depleting them
B. Providing for the food demands of the world’s population
C. Developing ways to use natural resources in the most efficient manner
D. Ensuring that the endangered species are protected to prevent extinction
2. Which of the following is not a concern or issue for groundwater?
A. Pollution
B. Slow movement
C. Increased use rate
D. Government intervention or ownership
3. What happens to the environmental impact if the population increases?
A. It decreases
B. It also increases
C. It stays the same
D. Population does not impact the environment
4. What is the most effective way of protecting the environment?
A. Protect the entire ecosystem
B. Save the endangered species
C. Preserve locally extinct species
D. Exterminate predators of threatened species
5. Why are oceans and other large bodies of water important in the overall
ecosystem of Earth?
A. They serve as a food source to humans
B. They cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface area
C. Large amount of marine life thrives in such environments
D. All of the above
6. Which of the following is an important indicator of the health of a water body and its
ability to support a diverse balance of aquatic organisms?
A. Amount of dissolved oxygen
B. Large number of algal blooms
C. Amount of aerobic microorganisms
D. A high level of biochemical oxygen demand
7. Which statement shows and demonstrates a resilient ecosystem?
A. Vegetation grows in a deserted field
B. A mouse eats seeds and the snake eats the mouse
C. Chicken eats the corn and the crocodile eats the chicken
D. Imported golden snails increase in number while native snails disappear
8. The effects an organism has on one another in a community is called _____.
A. Mutualism
B. Adaptation
C. Biological Interaction
D. Ecosystem interactions
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9. In an ecosystem, which of the following is not part of the synchronized processes
affected by climate changes?
A. Spawning of fish
B. Hatching of insect eggs
C. Blooming and fruiting of plants
D. Weakening of the species immune system
10. Which of the following can occur due to runoff of pollutants, such as pesticides
and fertilizers?
A. Improved soil quality
B. Increase water pollution
C. Increased crop production
D. Increased greenhouse gas emissions
II- Write a word/s that is connected to the words below.
 Climate Change
 Endangered Species
 Environment
 Global Warming
Lesson
2
Biodiversity Status in the
Community
The Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the
world's flora. The Philippines is also one of the world's biodiversity hotspots with at least
700 threatened species, thus making it one of the top global conservation areas. The
Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-thirds of
the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal
species. Species endemism is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49%
of terrestrial wildlife, while the country ranks fourth in bird endemism. The Philippines is
also one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species, thus
making it one of the top global conservation areas.
What’s New
ARE WE A FRIEND OR FOE TO THE ENVIRONMENT?
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Sustainable growth and development are the ultimate goal of conserving earth. We
must understand that our actions have lasting effects to the rest of the ecosystem. We
learned the interconnections found in the biosphere and this must help us decide how to
conserve these important networks. Understanding the impact of our actions should help us
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make smarter decisions in the responsible development, conservation and management of
our natural resources.
All of us should have the desire to learn about our nature. When we learn how to
appreciate what nature provide us, we will learn to understand why we should protect the
Earth. Learning about the diversity of life and its processes will also help us find our place
and role in the biosphere.
Ways to minimize human impact on the environment
Beyond going plastic free, there are things that each of us can do every day to make
sure we’re not doing unnecessary harm to our planet. Here are our top 10 tips that are ways
to reduce your environmental impact.
1. Stop using plastic bags
When you think about it, we don’t need plastic bags in our lives at
all. It can take up to 1000 years for a single plastic bag to decompose, and
they are one of the main killers of marine wildlife. It’s important to reduce
your plastic bag usage in every way that you can.
2. Skip the disposable items
Single use plastics and items to skip include plastic water bottles,
disposable utensils and coffee cups. Say no to single use plastic.
3. Know what to recycle
A lot of people are still confused about what plastic
you can and can’t recycle. Byron Bay for example, now has
the ‘bag the bag’ mantra, which encourages locals to bundle
their plastic bags before placing them in the recycling bin.
Your local council should have clear guidelines for recycling,
and they’re usually a good place to start.
4. Go paperless
This one is easy to implement, as there are online storage facilities that are more
effective than paper filing systems. Google drive is a great example - it can be used to store
all of our important documents, take notes, keep files, create spreadsheets, calendars, etc.
There are also web applications such as Asana and Slack for all of your organizational
needs. In time, you won’t need to rely on a pen and paper for much.
5. Reduce electronic usage
Turning your electronics off at the wall or unplugging them can save a lot of energy
expenditure. Your TV, computer, microwave and even some washing machines have a
'standby' mode, which means they're still using energy even when they're turned off. It’s
therefore important to choose appliances with a good energy rating, and to turn them off at
the wall when not in use.
6. Veggie garden and compost
Growing your own produce helps the environment by reducing the emissions and
fossil fuel pollution used to transport foods to the supermarket, and if you grow your plants
organically, without pesticides and herbicides, then you’re ensuring that the earth will return
to its natural state without damaging the soil and making it harder for plants to grow in future.
You can also make compost from any food waste and use it to fertilize your garden - the
team at Bare Blends use the leftover banana peels from the smoothie bar for compost at
home, and more often than not, this compost works better than store-bought fertilizers.
7. Read eBooks
There are over 30 million trees cut down each year to produce paper that makes
books alone. Reading your books, newspapers and magazines online is often easier and
cheaper than buying them.
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8. Drive less
This one can be hard to implement, depending on where you live, but small things like
carpooling with a coworker to work, or condensing trips to the shops by buying all your
groceries in one place will make a difference.
9. Adopt water saving habits
Take shorter showers, and if you need to wash your car, take it to the car wash - it
uses significantly much less water than would be used at home, and the water is recycled.
10. Leave only footprints behind
There’s a mantra that says, ‘leave only your footprints behind’, and
it’s an idea that we should all live by wherever we go - especially at the
beach or public spaces. If everyone was accountable for their waste, our
planet would be litter free, greener, and healthier.
What is It
Activity 2.2: GOOD or BAD? Decide!
The following are environmental situations, you decide if the situation is good or bad to the
environment and explain your answer:
1. Excessive use of fertilizer for the abundant production of crops.
2. Wide use of irrigation to the agricultural products.
3. Use of transportation for easy access to destination.
4. Use of coal as source of energy for a cheaper source of electricity.
5. Burning the trashes for a cleaner surrounding.
6. Introducing Invasive species such as janitor fish to clean the whole Marikina River.
Activity 2.3: FRIEND or FOE? Think wisely!
 The following are the actions of different organizations/company to minimize/reduce
the negative impact of human to his environment.
 You task is to assess if the action done will make us a Friend or a Foe to the
environment.
 Explain your answer and cite ideas and concrete facts to make your answer
convincing.
What’s More
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1. REPUBLIC ACT 9003 ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
2000
In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic,
comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure
the protection of public health and environment. The law ensures proper segregation,
collection, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and
adaptation of best eco-waste products.
2. REPUBLIC ACT 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004
The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-
based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and
community/household activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated
strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory
approach involving all the stakeholders.
3. REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999
The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air
Quality guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the Philippines, while
minimizing the possible associated impacts to the economy.
4. REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR
WASTE CONTROL ACT OF 1990
The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture,
processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures
the present unreasonable risk to human health. It likewise prohibits the entry, even in
transit, of hazardous and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the Philippine
territorial limits for whatever purpose; and to provide advancement and facilitate
research and studies on toxic chemicals.
5. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)
STATEMENT OF 1978
The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established in
1978 with the enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate the attainment
and maintenance of rational and orderly balance between socio-economic
development and environmental protection. EIA is a planning and management tool
that will help government, decision makers, the proponents and the affected
community address the negative consequences or risks on the environment. The
process assures implementation of environment-friendly projects.
What I Have Learned
Activity 2.4: BE A MODEL! BE AN ACTIVE ECO-WARRIOR!
 Cite ways to help the environment and reduce the negative effect of humans to
the environment as a:
 A member of the family
 Student
 Youth
 Human being
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 Use the concepts and ideas you gain from this lesson to concretize your
answer.
A. As a member of the family:
B. Student:
C. Youth:
D. Human Being:
What I Can Do
Activity 2.5: DASAL PARA SA KALIKASAN
 Make a heartfelt prayer for our environment.
 You can write it in your own vernacular, in Filipino or in English
 Write your output in a creative manner (artistic design etc.)
Assessment
Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is NOT related to global climate change?
A. More intense storms
B. Changes in precipitation
C. Increased rate of species extinction
D. All are connected to global climate change
2. The variability of life forms within a given ecosystem is called ___________.
A. Biodiversity
B. Biome stratification
C. Ecological variance
D. Environmental variety
3. What is the single greatest threat to biodiversity?
A. Overharvesting
B. Invasive species
C. Global climate change
D. Human alteration of habitats
4. Which of the following can occur due to runoff of pollutants such as pesticides and
fertilizers?
A. Improved soil quality
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B. Increased water pollution
C. Increased crop production
D. Increased greenhouse gas emissions
5. A modern consequence of our growing urban areas is?
A. Infrastructure
B. Suburban sprawl
C. Lower crime rate
D. Energy conservation
6. Which of the following is an important indicator of the health of a water body and its
ability to support a diverse balance of aquatic organisms?
A. Amount of dissolved oxygen
B. Large number of algal blooms
C. Amount or aerobic microorganisms
D. A high level of biochemical oxygen demand
7. Reclamation reduces the ultimate impact of?
A. Mining
B. Crime
C. Overgrazing
D. Air pollution
8. What happens to the environmental impact if the population increases?
A. It decreases
B. It also increases
C. It stays the same
D. Population does not impact the environment
9. The biggest loss of land is caused by?
A. Salinization
B. Desertification
C. Climatic changes
D. Use of farmland for urban development
10. During the Industrial Revolution, what became the primary source of fuel?
A. Oil
B. Coal
C. Wood
D. Gasoline
11. What is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere?
A. Methane
B. Water vapor
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Nitrogen dioxide
12. How can a coral reef ecosystem be used to conserve its resources?
A. Promote it as an eco-tourism destination.
B. Collect corals as souvenir items for tourists.
C. Collect coral fishes and sell them to pet shops.
D. Build artificial coral reefs and harvest the real ones for business.
13. The green revolution brought which of the following to modern society?
A. A return to traditional agriculture
B. Increased movement into urban areas
C. New breeds of animals capable of the strenuous work on a farm
D. New farming techniques, new crop varieties, and increased food production
14. Davao is known for its wide variety of fruits and other plant species that make it more
attractive to tourists. Which of the following classification of value of diversity is
described?
A. Direct economic value
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B. Ethical/cultural value
C. Indirect economic value
D. Both a and B
15. Ellen, a city tourist happened to catch a tarsier in one of her vacations in Bohol.
Although prohibited, she was able to hide the young primate in a small cage hidden in
her bag. Upon return to the city, she immediately cared for the tarsier, provided food
and water and placed the captivated animal in a well- ventilated garden. To her
dismay, the tarsier died after a day. Which factor of an ecosystem was deprived of the
tarsier?
A. Habitat
B. Health
C. Abiotic factor
Lesson
3
PHILIPPINE BIODIVERSITY:
IN FOCUS
“A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is
notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be
notable for its absence.” – Dr. Lee Talbot, who used to head the Southeast Asia Project on
Wildlife Conservation for Nature and Natural Resources
What’s New
MEASURING AIR POLLUTION: AN INVESTIGATION
Activity 3. 2
Breathing is crucial for human existence, but is the air we breathe clean? This
experiment will provide students with an example of how “dirty” our air is. Students have the
opportunity to choose a location where they would like to examine the air quality.
Purpose: To determine the amount of foreign air particles in a specific area
Materials:
 String
 Petroleum jelly
 Pencil
 Index cards
 Paper towel
 Hand lens (optional)
 Goggles (optional)
 White poster board (paper plates could also work)
 Scissors
 Hole punch
 Permanent marker
 Notebook
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Procedures:
Prepare the pollution detectors and hang in the different ideal locations (ideal time:
two or more days).
1. Find an area in which you can hang several cut out pieces of the poster board. You
can perform this experiment in your home, yard or another area of your choice
depending on where you would like to examine how clean the air is.
2. Cut the poster board into several 3x3 inch squares.
3. Draw a square with the marker on each cut out piece of poster board, a little smaller
than the square itself.
4. Punch a hole in the top of each piece of poster board and tie pieces of string in the
holes so you can hang the cut outs in the area of your choice.
5. Smear a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the drawn square on each cut out and
hang them in different places within the area you’ve decided to examine.
6. Record the areas you’ve hung each cut out in your notebook.
7. Wait 12 hours to collect your squares and examine your results.
* You may need adult supervision when working with scissors, the hole punch, as well
as assistance with hanging the squares in high places so the squares are not
disturbed during your experiment.
8. Observation: Using your magnifying glass, count the number of particles that are
visible that are stuck to your squares. In your notebook or in the space provided
below, draw the particles where you would find them from each individual square
Results/Critical Thinking:
1. Did you find your squares to collect a lot of particles or very little?
2. Does the amount of particles found on each individual square differ from one
another?
3. What does this mean and what would cause it?
4. How would your results change if you chose a different location to test your
experiment?
5. Could the wind have an effect on your squares?
6. What would happen if you tested your experiment in an area with high levels of air
pollution, such as a large industrial city?
7. Would there be more or less particles stuck to your squares?
8. What are some possible effects from breathing in highly polluted air?
9. Are there any preventative measures we can take to help clean the air?
How many species are there on the planet?
Around 1.8 million animal and plant species have been scientifically documented to
date, and new ones are being discovered every day, with 12,000 to 25,000 new species
being added to the list every year. While the “discovery” of mammals and birds frequently
What is It
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17. 1
catches the public eye, insects and the like tend to attract less attention. Estimates of the
number of undiscovered species range from three to seven million.
How many species go extinct every day?
On average, we lose about 150 species a day – that’s around 55,000 every year!
Many species will have become extinct due to human violation on their habitats long before
we have discovered the true wealth of biodiversity we are destroying. The United Nations
declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity to celebrate life on earth and
underscore its precious nature. Once a species is lost, it is gone forever: we will never again
be able to experience a Steller’s sea cow – a marine mammal related to the dugong and
manatee. The sea cows were hunted to extinction by our ancestors in 1768 – only 27 years
after they were discovered by Europeans.
Why are so many species disappearing?
The relentless changes to the environment and habitat destruction by humans are by
far the most important factors driving the current mass extinction. For example, the number of
gorillas in Africa has plummeted by 60% in only the past twenty years due to widespread
deforestation and animals falling victim to the wildlife trade and poaching. The oceans are
also affected by overfishing, pollution, rising temperatures and acidification due to increasing
CO2 levels.
What is a biodiversity hotspot?
The concept of “biodiversity hotspots” was developed by researchers as a way to
manage and focus conservation work more effectively. Hotspots are regions characterized by
numerous endemic plant and animal species living in a particularly vulnerable environment.
In the year 2000, scientists writing in the journal Nature identified 25 biodiversity hotspots that
cover only about 1.4% of the Earth's surface, or an area of approximately 2.1 million square
kilometers. While these areas provide habitat to nearly half (44%) of all known plant species
worldwide, only about a third of them have so far been placed under protection. All of these
hotspots are endangered by factors such as timber harvesting and slash-and-burn clearing
driven by strong demand for tropical timber, the expansion of the mining industry and the
cultivation of crops such as oil palms, sugar cane and soy. A further major issue is the
dramatic rise of organized, commercial poaching.
Where are biodiversity hotspots located?
Most hotspots are in the tropics. They can be found in Southeast Asia – especially in
Malaysia and Indonesia –, Madagascar, the Andes, Central America and the Caribbean.
They also exist in temperate regions such as the U.S. west coast, parts of Chile, the
Mediterranean and New Zealand. Researchers have not yet fully established the reasons
behind the extremely high biodiversity of rainforests. However, factors such as the lack of
nutrients in the soil, year-round high solar radiation and precipitation play an important role.
The lower influence of the ice ages near the equator and the rainforest’s great age, ranging in
the millions of years, have contributed to their wealth of species. Diversity thus always arises
in interaction with environmental conditions.
Why is biodiversity so important and worthy of protection?
Research has shown that biodiversity is a crucial factor for the properties and
performance of ecosystems. Their stability depends in part on the complex interactions of
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their inhabitants. Massive human interference decimates individual species or drives them to
extinction, while other existing species experience explosive growth, and yet others invade or
are introduced by humans. This alters the nature of ecosystems or destroys them outright
and impacts ecosystem services such as the provision of food and clean water.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: SLOGAN MAKING
Activity 3. 3
Materials:
 Bond paper
 Coloring materials
 Ruler
 Pencil
Task:
1. Make a slogan about environmental awareness.
2. The Slogan shall answer to the question:
Anong hakbangin ang iyong maimumungkahi bilang isang estudyante at kaagapay
tungo sa pagpapanatili ng magandang kapaligiran?
3. The slogan should speak of your COMMITMENT in preserving and/or
promoting the environment.
4. The content of the slogan must be 6 to 10 words using your own dialect.
5. Design your slogan.
What I Have Learned
KABATAAN KAAKIBAT NG KAPALIGIRAN (KKK)
Activity 3.4
Task:
 Below are pictures of different threats to the wildlife and their natural habitat
 Write your reason if these human practices can conserve and preserve wildlife and
their natural habitat.
 Start your answer with I believe……… and end your statement with I thank you.
What’s More
Illegal logging (my.sunstar.com.ph) Kaingin system (www.mindenpictures) Mining (gmanetwork.com, 2017)
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 Complete the commitment tree by
adding leaves to the half of the tree.
 In each leaf, write your commitments
to the environment.
 Fill the tree with commitment leaves.
 Commitments should comprise of all
the aspects of the environment.
Answer the following questions:
1. What have you learned from the activities?
2. How does each picture shown help you in your advocacy as an environmental
steward?
3. How will you show that you protect wildlife and their natural habitat as Kabataang
Kaakibat ng Kapaligiran?
What I Can Do
COMMITMENT TREE
Activity 3.5
Assessment
Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet
of paper.
1. Which of these statements is false?
A. Environmental education advocates a particular viewpoint
B. Environmental education teaches individuals critical thinking skills
C. Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge
D. Environmental education enhances an individual’s problem solving and
decision-making skills
2. Deforestation is the second leading cause of global warming in the world.
The Philippines is paying a high price for the destruction of its forests and a number of
major problems confronting the nation can be traced directly to deforestation
A. Both statements are true.
Wildlife exploitation (https://m.imgur.com) Land Pollution (http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com)
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B. Both statements are false
C. The first statement is true, second statement is false
D. The first statement is false, second statement is true
3. Which day is Earth Day?
A. April 22 C. August 12
A. December 21 D. October 31
4. Which of the following is NOT a problem caused by deforestation?
A. Loss of biodiversity
B. Hurting the economy
C. The harming of many indigenous people
D. They are all problems caused by deforestation
5. Which option is abiotic?
A. Bacteria B. Fungi C. Plants D. Water
6. Which of the following is not a level of biodiversity?
A. Genetic C. Ecosystem
B. Species D. population
7. It is a form of tourism that supports the conservation and sustainable development of
ecologically unique areas
A. Ecotourism C. Ecopark
B. Wildlife D. All of the above
8. Which of the following is NOT a reason why biodiversity important?
A. Many species act as a pest control
B. Biodiversity loss would decrease water quality
C. There are too many animal species on the world
D. Biodiversity ensures food security by supplying a wide variety of plant and
animals species for nutrients.
9. It is a species that is critical to the functioning of the ecosystem in which it lives
because it affects the survival and abundance of many other species in its
community.
A. Keystone species C. Endangered species
B. Unknown species D. Known species
10. Which is NOT a factor contributing to the loss of biodiversity?
A. Urbanization C. Climate Change
B. The planting of trees D. Over-exploitation of species
11. Which land-based ecosystem has the most biodiversity?
A. Deserts C. Grasslands
B. The Tundra D. Tropical Rainforests
12. How much of the Earth’s land is covered by forests?
A. 5% B. 10% C. 16% D.31%
13. What can you do to fight deforestation?
A. Leave forests standing and plant more trees
B. Reduce your use of products made from wood fiber including paper and
cardboard
C. Demand forest products from sustainable sources and deforestation free
supply chains
D. All of the above
14. How many trees does it take to provide a day’s supply of oxygen for 4 people?
A. 1 B. 10 C. 50 D. 100
15. What is known as the “Sixth Extinction”?
A. The sixth species that became extinct
B. The Sequel to the movie The Fifth Element
C. The current period of time where species are disappearing at an extreme rate
D. The fact that there are six major species in the world today that are facing the
threat of extinction
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21. 1
Assessment
Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on
a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is NOT related to global climate change?
A. More intense storms
B. Changes in precipitation
C. Increased rate of species extinction
D. All are connected to global climate change
2. What is the single greatest threat to biodiversity?
A. Overharvesting
B. Invasive species
C. Global climate change
D. Human alteration of habitats
3. What is the most effective way of protecting the environment?
A. Save the endangered species
B. Protect the entire ecosystem
C. Preserve locally extinct species
D. Exterminate predators of threatened species
4. Which statement shows and demonstrates a resilient ecosystem?
A. Vegetation grows in a deserted field
B. A mouse eats seeds and the snake eats the mouse
C. Chicken eats the corn and chicken is eaten by the crocodile
D. Imported golden snails increase in number while native snails disappear
5. Matt, a city tourist happened to catch a tarsier in one of his vacations in Bohol.
Although prohibited, he was able to hide the young primate in a small cage hidden in
her bag. Upon return to the city, she immediately cared for the tarsier, provided food
and water and placed the captivated animal in a well- ventilated garden. To his
dismay, the tarsier died after a day. Which factor of an ecosystem was deprived of the
tarsier?
A. Health
B. Habitat
C. Food source
D. Abiotic factor
6. How can a coral reef ecosystem be used to conserve its resources?
A. Promote it as an eco-tourism destination.
B. Collect corals as souvenir items for tourists.
C. Collect coral fishes and sell them to pet shops.
D. Build artificial coral reefs and harvest the real ones for business.
7. Which of the following is an important indicator of the health of a water body and its
ability to support a diverse balance of aquatic organisms?
A. Large number of algal blooms
B. Amount of dissolved oxygen
C. Amount of aerobic microorganisms
D. A high level of biochemical oxygen demand
8. Deforestation is the second leading cause of global warming in the world.
The Philippines is paying a high price for the destruction of its forests and a number of
major problems confronting the nation can be traced directly to deforestation
19

22. 1
A. Both statements are true.
B. Both statements are false
C. The first statement is true, second statement is false
D. The first statement is false, second statement is true
9. Which of the following is NOT a reason why biodiversity is important?
A. Many species act as a pest control
B. Biodiversity loss would decrease water quality
C. There are too many animal species on the world
D. Biodiversity ensures food security by supplying a wide variety of plant and
animals species for nutrients.
10. How many trees does it take to provide a day’s supply of oxygen for 4 people?
A. 1 B. 10 C. 50 D. 100
11. How much of the Earth’s land is covered by forests?
A. 5% B. 10% C. 16% D.31%
12. Which is NOT a factor contributing to the loss of biodiversity?
A. Urbanization C. Climate Change
B. The planting of trees D. Over-exploitation of species
13. It is a form of tourism that supports the conservation and sustainable development of
ecologically unique areas
A. Ecotourism C. Ecopark
B. Wildlife D. All of the above
14. Which day is Earth Day?
A. April 22 C. August 12
B. December 21 D. October 31
15. Which of these statements is false?
A. Environmental education advocates a particular viewpoint
B. Environmental education teaches individuals critical thinking skills
C. Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge
D. Environmental education enhances an individual’s problem solving and
decision-making skills.
20

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Answer Key
21

24. 1
References
Ronald Diana, Grade 8 Science Modules, 2015 edition (Tru-copy Publishing House, Inc.
2015).pp.2-7.
H. Acosta, et al., (Science 10 Learners Material (Pasig City: Rex Bookstore, 2015) pp. 299-
319.
https://populationeducation.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/10/crowding_can_be_seedy.pdf.Acc
essed on June 29, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan
https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/.Accessed on June 29, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan
https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/geography/geographic-informationscience/community/human-
impact-on-the-environment.Accessed on June 30, 2020 by L.P. Gomonan
https://www.carbonindependent.org/. Accessed on June 30, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan
https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/an-introduction-to-population-growth-
84225544/.Accessed on July 1, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan.
https://slideplayer.com/slide/8481924/.Accessed on July 2, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan
https://illustoon.com/?id=3084.Accessed on July 2, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan
http://www.iq.poquoson.org.Accessed on July 3, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan
https://interestingengineering.com/10-ways-humans-impact-the-environment. Accessed on
July 5, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan
https://www.carbonindependent.org/. Accessed on July11, 2020 by L.P.Gomonan.
https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=ph. Accessed on July 15, 2020 by
L.P.Gomonan
22

25. For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)
DepEd Division of Bukidnon
Fortich Street, Sumpong, Malaybalay City
Telefax: (088) 813-3634
E-mail Address: bukidnon@deped.gov.ph