Biodiversity > Ask a Scientist About Our Environment

Ask a Scientist About Our Environment

illustration of the American Museum of Natural History

If you have questions about the environment, we've got answers! In celebration of Earth Day in 2008, Museum scientists answered questions from kids about everything environment-related, from pollution to endangered species to global warming.

Science Explorations presents a fun and easy way for kids to explore the planet's environmental issues.

Why are there so many endangered animals these days?
– Frances J., Grade 8

What kind of fossils have you found? Where did you find them and what did you learn from them?
– Adam Y., Grade 2

A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) explores the seafloor.

Has every place on Earth been explored by humans or are there still places no one has seen?
– Margaret B., Grade 3

What do you think the future of our planet will be? Will it be hot from global warming or will we have another ice age?
– Zarion J., Grade 10

What are the most important things kids can do to prevent global warming?
– Armando B., Grade 6

When and how did the ice age end? Could another one start?
– Chase H., Grade 3

What is the single most harmful thing humans are doing to Earth? How is it harming our Earth and what will happen if we don't fix the problem?
– Melissa J., Grade 7

Why are so many lakes, streams, and ponds polluted these days?
– Ian Y., Grade 3

What is the most endangered animal on Earth right now?
– Rex R. Grade 4

Is bottled water bad for us?
– Molly M., Grade 5

Since global warming is affecting the polar bears, how can we help them to not go extinct?
– Tess S., Grade 5

Do you think Earth will ever run out of water?
– Megan A., Grade 7

What would happen if everyone in the world stopped recycling?
– Erinn M., Grade 5

How old can sea turtles live to be? Are they endangered?
– Eleni O., Grade 3

How can we save the Earth from air pollution?
– Liam T., Grade 6

About how big is the bird population? Has it gone down because of global warming or pollution?
– Albert X., Grade 4

Once an ecosystem is destroyed, can it be revived?
– Thomas G., Grade 5

Will the world ever be all underwater because of all the ice melting?
– Hannah H., Grade 6

How can we save the savanna ecosystem?
– Alexander R., Grade 5

To solve the endangered animal species' population problem, can scientists clone and breed endangered animal species — and have no genetic defects?
– Katie C., Grade 7

Which animal group makes up the largest percentage of the world's organisms?
– Shelly P., Grade 9