Species

A species is a group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. This means that members of the same species have similar characteristics and can mate with each other to produce offspring that can also reproduce. Species are the basic unit of biological classification and are essential for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.

Characteristics of a species

Members of the same species share similar physical characteristics and genetic makeup.
They are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Species are reproductively isolated from other species, meaning they cannot interbreed with organisms from different species.
Each species has its own unique ecological niche and role in the ecosystem.

Importance of species

Understanding and classifying species is crucial for the study and conservation of biodiversity. Each species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and the loss of a single species can have far-reaching consequences. By identifying and studying species, scientists can better understand the complex interactions within ecosystems and work towards preserving the diversity of life on Earth.

Study Guide

What is a species?
Describe the characteristics of a species.
Why is it important to study and classify species?
Research and identify three different species in your local ecosystem. Describe their unique characteristics and ecological roles.
Discuss the impact of human activities on species diversity and potential conservation measures.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Chemical reactions

Vocabulary/Answer key

Chemical reactions

Vocabulary/Answer key

Chemical reactions

The resources above cover the following skills:

Chemistry: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the composition, structure, and interactions of matter in order to support the predictability of structure and energy transformations.

Conservation of Matter: Provide evidence to support the fact that the idea of atoms explains conservation of matter.

Cite evidence from investigations that the total mass of a system remains the same throughout a chemical reaction because the number of atoms of each element remains the same.

Give reasons to justify the statement, 'If the number of atoms stays the same no matter how the same atoms are rearranged, then their total mass stays the same.'

Physical and Chemical Changes: Provide evidence to support the fact that common substances have the ability to change into new substances.

Investigate and describe the occurrence of chemical reactions using the following evidence: Color change; Formation of a precipitate or gas; Release of heat or light.

Use evidence from observations to identify and describe factors that influence reaction rates: Change in temperature; Acidity.

Identify the reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction given a symbolic equation, a word equation, or a description of the reaction.

Provide data from investigations to support the fact that energy is transformed during chemical reactions.