Glossary

adaptation

A structure or behavior that helps a plant or animal live in its surroundings.

algae

A marine or freshwater plant or plant-like organism that usually contains chlorophyll.

analyze

To study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts, suggest separating or breaking down the parts of something to understand its true nature.

annuals

Plants that complete their life cycles in one growing season.

arid

Lacking in rainfall, very dry.

atmosphere

The layer of gases, like air, that surrounds the Earth.

basin

A low, bowl-shaped area of land surrounded by higher lands.

biome

A community of plants and animals living together in a particular climate.

broadleaf

A type of tree with wide, flat leaves.

carbon dioxide

A gas in air that is taken in by plants, exhaled by animals, and given off when fuel is burned. A carbon dioxide molecule is formed when two oxygen atoms combine with a single carbon atom.

Celsius scale (C)

The metric temperature scale where 0 degrees is assigned to the temperature where water freezes, and 100 to the temperature where water boils.

centimeter (cm)

A unit of length in the metric system. There are 100 centimeters in a meter.

chlorophyll

A green pigment found in plants, necessary for conducting photosynthesis.

classify

To arrange in groups according to specified similarities.

climate

The average weather conditions of an area over many years, as measured by temperature, wind speed, and precipitation.

climograph

A representation of a single location’s basic climate in graph format. Climographs plot two variables: monthly average temperature and monthly average precipitation. Together these variables give an idea of the location’s climate.

community

The whole group of plants and animals that interact in a common location.

competition

The active demand by two or more organisms, such as plants, for some environmental resource in short supply.

conserve

To preserve, or to avoid wasteful use.

correlate

To show a relationship between things.

deciduous tree

One of a group of trees that lose their leaves in the fall.

dormant

Inactive or asleep, but capable of waking up; not actively growing, but protected from the environment.

drought

A period of dryness, that when prolonged, causes damage to crops; a shortage of water.

elevation

The height of a place above sea level.

environment

The surroundings in which a person, plant or animal lives, including the air, water, and land.

epiphyte

An organism that grows on another organism. The two organisms do not take nutrients from or give nutrients to each other.

equator

An imaginary circle around the Earth that lies halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole.

evaporate

To change from a liquid to a gas.

evergreen

A plant that stays green all year, including firs and pines.

fluctuate

To change back and forth uncertainly.

fungus

An organism that grows from spores, not seeds, usually classified as a plant without chlorophyll, such as mold, mildew, mushrooms, and yeast.

growing season

The time of the year when crops grow.

humid

Containing moisture.

hypothesis

An educated guess; a likely explanation for a problem.

insulate

To separate to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound.

investigate

To observe or study closely.

landforms

Shapes, like mountains or hills, that make up the Earth's surface.

latitude

Imaginary lines on a map or globe that measure distance in degrees north or south of the equator. Latitude lines extend horizontally, from east to west on a globe.

longitude

Imaginary lines on a map or globe that measure distance in degrees east or west of the prime meridian. Longitude lines extend vertically, from pole to pole on a globe.

mean

The average.

millimeter (mm)

A unit for measuring length in the metric system. There are 10 mm in 1 cm, and 1,000 mm in a meter.

needleleaf

A type of tree with long, thin leaves.

nutrient

A material that plants and animals need to live and grow.

organism

A living being.

oxygen

A gas that is given off by plants and used by animals.

perennials

Plants that complete a growing cycle each year for several years.

photosynthesis

The process by which plants use light, carbon dioxide, and water to make food.

plain

A large area of flat or nearly flat land.

prairie

Flat land covered with tall grass and wildflowers.

precipitation

Moisture that falls to the ground from clouds; includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

predominant

Most frequent or most common.

property

Something about an organism or object that can be observed, such as size or shape; characteristics common to all members of a group.

reflect

To bend or fold back, to change direction.

region

A large area with common features that set it apart from other areas.

resource

Something that is useful.

sod

A thick layer of soil.

species

A group of organisms having common attributes and given a common name.

steppe

A flat, dry plain covered with short grass.

symbiosis

Living together in a way that benefits both individuals.

temperature

The degree of hotness or coldness of a substance as measured by a thermometer.

thrive

To flourish or grow vigorously.

tolerate

To put up with, endure, or withstand.

vegetation

Plant life of an area.