Inquiry Unit 4: Vocabulary

pollination

• The transfer of pollen from one flower to another, helping plants to reproduce.

• The process of photosynthesis in plants.

• The absorption of water by plant roots.

• The dispersal of seeds from a plant.

drone

• Male bees that gather food for the hive.

• Male bees that mate with the queen and do not gather food.

• Female bees that gather nectar and pollen.

• Worker bees that protect the hive.

habitat

• The natural environment where a plant or animal lives.

• A type of food that animals eat.

• A place where humans build their homes.

• A method of communication among animals.

plant parts

• Roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds.

• Branches, bark, thorns, and fruits.

• Soil, water, sunlight, and air.

• Petals, pollen, nectar, and bulbs.

decomposer

• Organisms that break down dead materials and return nutrients to the soil.

• Organisms that produce energy through photosynthesis.

• Organisms that consume living plants and animals.

• Organisms that recycle water in the ecosystem.

ecosystem

• A community of living organisms and their environment.

• A type of biome characterized by extreme temperatures.

• A group of unrelated species living in the same area.

• A system of artificial habitats created by humans.

photosynthesis

• The process by which plants make their own food using sunlight.

• A method of respiration in animals.

• A chemical reaction that occurs in the dark.

• The process of water absorption in plants.

environment

• The surroundings in which plants and animals live.

• A type of weather condition.

• A place where humans gather for social activities.

• A system of government.

biodiversity

• The variety of different species in an ecosystem.

• The total number of individuals in a population.

• The genetic variation within a species.

• The distribution of species across different habitats.

sustainability

• The ability to maintain healthy ecosystems and resources for future generations.

• A method of increasing economic growth without regard for environmental impact.

• A strategy for maximizing short-term profits in business.

• The process of reducing waste and recycling materials.