Environmental Science Chapter 6 Vocabulary

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Permafrost

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Ground that is permanently frozen, typically found in polar regions.

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Estivation

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A period of inactivity and lowered body temperature that some animals undergo in summer to survive hot weather and lack of food.

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Biome

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A group of ecosystems that share similar climates and typical organisms.

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Estuary

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A habitat where the fresh water of a river meets the salt water of the ocean.

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Upwelling

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The upward movement of ocean water towards the surface as a result of diverging currents.

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Salinity

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The concentration of salt in water, which affects the types of organisms that can live in that environment.

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Climate

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The long-term average of weather conditions in a particular area, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

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Wetlands

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Areas where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally, providing unique ecosystems.

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Biodiversity

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The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species.

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Photosynthesis

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The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.