What are the threats facing butterflies today? Climate Change Is climate change a threat to butterflies? Yes. Changes in our climate, caused by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, are harming butterflies. Monarch butterflies, which migrate between North America and Mexico, are especially affected. As extreme weather becomes more common, monarchs may be killed or driven off course by heat, drought, fires, severe rains, winds, or floods. As the planet warms, many North American butterflies are moving north or higher into the mountains. One species, Edith's checkerspot, was once common across the western United States. At many sites in southern California, this species has become locally extinct. Populations are more stable in Canada, and in mountains such as the Sierra Nevada. Habitat Loss Human activities, such as logging, building, recreation, and industry can all damage areas where butterflies live. The widespread use of pesticides also threatens butterflies' lives. The Xerces blue (Glaucopsyche xerces) butterfly became extinct in the early 1940s, after cities expanded in northern California. Supporting Butterflies In some areas, butterfly species that declined in the 1900s are more plentiful now. Biologists, conservation groups, and other organizations have been supporting their revival by protecting and managing open areas, growing more of the plants the butterflies feed on, and in some cases, raising endangered butterflies and releasing them into the wild. You can help butterflies by planting your own butterfly garden and giving butterflies more opportunities to eat, rest, and reproduce. 1. What is the main idea of the passage? (1 point) Responses The extinction of the Xerces blue butterfly The extinction of the Xerces blue butterfly The migration patterns of monarch butterflies The migration patterns of monarch butterflies The threats facing butterflies and efforts to protect them The threats facing butterflies and efforts to protect them The impact of climate change on Edith's checkerspot butterfly The impact of climate change on Edith's checkerspot butterfly Question 2 2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a threat to butterflies?(1 point) Responses Habitat loss Habitat loss Climate change Climate change Pesticide use Pesticide use Air pollution Air pollution Question 3 3. According to the text, how are monarch butterflies specifically affected by climate change?(1 point) Responses They are moving north to cooler climates They are moving north to cooler climates They are becoming locally extinct in southern California They are becoming locally extinct in southern California They may be killed or driven off course by extreme weather They may be killed or driven off course by extreme weather They are more stable in mountain regions They are more stable in mountain regions Question 4 4. What text structure is primarily used in the "Supporting Butterflies" section?(1 point) Responses Compare and contrast Compare and contrast Cause and effect Cause and effect Problem and solution Problem and solution Chronological order Chronological order Question 5 5. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?(1 point) Responses All butterfly species are declining in population All butterfly species are declining in population Human intervention can help reverse butterfly population decline Human intervention can help reverse butterfly population decline Butterfly gardens are only effective in urban areas Butterfly gardens are only effective in urban areas Climate change affects all butterfly species equally

Answer 1

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

   • The threats facing butterflies and efforts to protect them

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a threat to butterflies?

   • Air pollution

3. According to the text, how are monarch butterflies specifically affected by climate change?

   • They may be killed or driven off course by extreme weather

4. What text structure is primarily used in the "Supporting Butterflies" section?

   • Problem and solution

5. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

   • Human intervention can help reverse butterfly population decline