BIO-GLOSSARY

BIODIVERSITY, n.: the variety of life on earth and it is short for biological diversity


CRYOSPHERE, n.: snow and ice

ECOSYSTEM, n.: all the living and non-living things in a certain area, including air, soil, water, animals and humans. A lake is an example of an aquatic ecosystem.

ENDANGERED, adj.: when a population of plants or animals is so small, it's at risk of becoming extinct.

EXTINCT, adj.: if this happens, the species is gone forever.

EXTIRPATED, adj.: a species that no longer exists in the wild in Canada, but is found elsewhere (in another country, or a zoo, for example).

HABITAT, n.: the natural home of a plant or animal.

MIGRATE, v.: when animals travel to a different area because of temperature changes or to find food. For example, geese and Monach butterflies migrate every fall and spring.

PESTICIDE, n.: substances used for destroying pests such as insects.

RECYCLOPATH,N.: someone who derides others' non-green habits, but enjoys binning cans at home and drives an SUV.

SPECIES, n.: animals, plants or micro-organisms that are so similar that they are able to have offspring.

SUSTAINABLE USE, n.: use a natural resource in a responsible way, so it will be available in the future. For example, ensuring that new trees grow in areas where older ones have been cut down.

THREATENED, adj.: a species likely to become endangered, if we do not take steps to protect it soon.

SPECIAL CONCERN (VULNERABLE), ADJ.: a species is of special concern when it is especially sensitive to human activity or natural events.

WETLANDS, n.: places where land and water meet or where the ground is wet for most or all of the year. Some examples include marshes, swamps and bogs.

WILDLIFE, n.: animals or plants not domesticated or cultivated by humans.