This article is part of a four-part series on Biodiversity consisting of the following articles:

  1. Biodiversity
  2. Deforestation
  3. Palm Oil
  4. Conservation

Each has been taken from the Mongabay main site and adapted to meet 3rd grade educational standards. Ideally, they are to be read in the above order.

Also note that we provide remedial-reading versions for each of the four articles. These versions are designed to meet 3rd grade science standards, but 2nd grade reading standards.

Glossary

Borneo (n.) Third largest island in the world and the largest in Asia.
deforestation (n.) The act of clearing a large tract of trees.
disperse (v.) To distribute or spread over a wide area.
diurnal (adj.) During the day.
equator (n.) An imaginary line drawn around the earth equally distant from both poles, dividing the earth into northern and southern hemispheres.
hibernation (n.) The period of time an animal or plant spends sleeping or dormant, usually in the winter.
kilometer (n.) Unit of measure equal to 1,000 meters (0.62 miles).
Malaysia (n.) A country in Southeast Asia.
offspring (n.) A person’s child or an animal’s young.
sapling (n.) A young tree.
territory (n.) An area of land.
thrive (v.) To prosper or flourish, to grow or develop well.
wallow (v.) To roll about or relax in mud or water.