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

biofuel (n.) A fuel made from living matter such as plants or agricultural waste.
climate (n.) The general weather conditions of an area or region including rain, sunshine, wind, temperature, air pressure and cloudiness.
frequently (adv.) Often, many times, at short intervals.
humid (adj.) Containing a high amount of water vapor, moist.
ingredient (n.) Any one of the things mixed together to form a dish or other combination.
oil palm tree (n.) A tree from West Africa, which grows in tropical climates and produces fruit which can be turned into many things.
plantation (n.) A large farm, especially in a tropical or semitropical country, on which crops have been planted, frequently the work is done by workers who live on the plantation.
produce (v.) To make or manufacture.
rainforest (n.) Usually a tropical forest with dense evergreen growth and high yearly rainfall.
researcher (n.) A person who verifies or discovers information, a person who carries out academic or scientific research.
room temperature (n.) A comfortable indoor air temperature, generally 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.