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.
Read More →Environmental Glossary
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.
Read More → Environmental Science
Conservation
The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and ecological communities to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Read More → Ecology
Ecosystem
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, functioning as an interdependent unit.
Read More → Ecology
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.
Read More → Earth Science
Geology
The scientific study of the Earth's physical structure, substance, history, and the processes that act upon it over time.
Read More → Ecology
Habitat
The natural environment in which a particular species or community of organisms lives, including all living and non-living factors necessary for survival.
Read More → Ecology
Photosynthesis
The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose, using carbon dioxide and water, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
Read More → Earth Science
Watershed
An area of land where all water that falls or flows drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean, forming a natural hydrological unit.
Read More → Conservation
Wilderness
An area of land that retains its primeval character and influence, without permanent human habitation or significant human modification, where natural processes predominate.
Read More →