Ecology
Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable for ecosystem health.
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Key terms and concepts related to nature, conservation, and our national parks.
Environmental Science
Climate Change
Long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, particularly the increase in average global temperatures primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
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Conservation
The ethical use, protection, management, and restoration of natural environments and wildlife to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.
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Ecosystem
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, functioning as an interdependent unit.
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Endemic Species
A species that is native to and found only in a specific geographic area, such as a particular island, mountain range, or ecosystem, and occurs naturally nowhere else on Earth.
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Geology
The scientific study of the Earth's physical structure, substance, history, and the processes that act upon it over time.
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Habitat
The natural environment in which a particular species or community of organisms lives, including all living and non-living factors necessary for survival.
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Photosynthesis
The biochemical process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
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Watershed
An area of land that channels rainfall and snowmelt into creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to an outflow point such as a reservoir, bay, or the ocean.
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Wilderness
An area of land that retains its primeval character and influence, without permanent human habitation or significant human modification, where natural processes predominate.
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