Science VocabularyScience Vocabulary

FlashcardsFlashcards

Acid RainAcid Rain

Rain that is polluted due to pollution and causes harm Rain that is polluted due to pollution and causes harm to plants and animals.to plants and animals.

AdaptationAdaptation

The ability of a plant or animal to change in order to The ability of a plant or animal to change in order to survivesurvive

BalanceBalance

Everything working together in order to have a proper Everything working together in order to have a proper ecosystemecosystem

BiomesBiomes Areas in the world with similar climates, animals and Areas in the world with similar climates, animals and

plants.plants.

ClimateClimate

The average weather taken over a period of timeThe average weather taken over a period of time

CommunityCommunity

the set of all populations that inhabit a certain area the set of all populations that inhabit a certain area

CompetitionCompetition

When 2 or more animals fight for food, water, or When 2 or more animals fight for food, water, or sheltershelter

Occurs more with overpopulationOccurs more with overpopulation

ConservationConservation

Limiting the use of energy, water, etc. in order to Limiting the use of energy, water, etc. in order to protect the environmentprotect the environment

ConsumersConsumers

Animals that eat other plants and animalsAnimals that eat other plants and animals 3 types3 types

DecayingDecaying

The process of decomposition after something diesThe process of decomposition after something dies Returns nutrients to the earthReturns nutrients to the earth

DecomposersDecomposers

Organisms that break down dead plants and animalsOrganisms that break down dead plants and animals Return nutrients to the earthReturn nutrients to the earth

DesertsDeserts

A biome located near the equator with a very hot and A biome located near the equator with a very hot and dry climatedry climate

EcosystemsEcosystems An area where biotic factors (plants and animals) and An area where biotic factors (plants and animals) and

abiotic factors (land) live and depend on each otherabiotic factors (land) live and depend on each other

Endangered SpeciesEndangered Species

A type of animal that is almost exztinctA type of animal that is almost exztinct Caused by hunting, pollution, competition, etc.Caused by hunting, pollution, competition, etc.

EnergyEnergy

Comes from the sunComes from the sun Helps plants and animals live and is transferred Helps plants and animals live and is transferred

through the food webthrough the food web

EnvironmentEnvironment

all living and non-living things that occur naturally all living and non-living things that occur naturally on Earth on Earth

ExtinctExtinct

the death of every member of a the death of every member of a speciesspecies

Food ChainsFood Chains

The passing of energy through producers, consumers The passing of energy through producers, consumers and decomposersand decomposers

Food WebsFood Webs

weaves together many food chains and shows the weaves together many food chains and shows the passing of energy from species to speciespassing of energy from species to species

Deciduous ForestsDeciduous Forests

A biome in which the weather and climate are A biome in which the weather and climate are temperate, there are 4 seasons and many types of temperate, there are 4 seasons and many types of plants and animalsplants and animals

GrasslandsGrasslands

Biome with large rolling hills and small animals Biome with large rolling hills and small animals adapted to hide in the grassadapted to hide in the grass

                                                                            

HabitatHabitat

A particular environment inhabited by similar species A particular environment inhabited by similar species and plantsand plants

Habitat ReductionHabitat Reduction

The destroying of a habitat by humansThe destroying of a habitat by humans Eliminates plants and animalsEliminates plants and animals

IndividualIndividual A single animal or plant as distinguished from a A single animal or plant as distinguished from a

species, community, or group. species, community, or group.

InterdependenceInterdependence The dependence of every form of life on other living The dependence of every form of life on other living

things and on the natural resources in its things and on the natural resources in its environment, such as air, soil, and water. environment, such as air, soil, and water.

InteractionInteraction Action on each other; reciprocal action or effect .Action on each other; reciprocal action or effect .

LatitudeLatitude The angular distance north or south of the earth's The angular distance north or south of the earth's

equator, measured in degrees along a meridian, as on equator, measured in degrees along a meridian, as on a map or globe. a map or globe.

Limiting FactorLimiting Factor An environmental factor that limits the growth, An environmental factor that limits the growth,

abundance, or distribution of a population of abundance, or distribution of a population of organisms in an ecosystem.organisms in an ecosystem.

Living SpaceLiving Space

NicheNiche

The function or position of an organism or population The function or position of an organism or population within an ecological community. within an ecological community.

OrganismsOrganisms An individual form of life, such as a plant, animal, or An individual form of life, such as a plant, animal, or

fungus; a body made up of organs, organelles, or fungus; a body made up of organs, organelles, or other parts that work together to carry on the various other parts that work together to carry on the various processes of life. processes of life.

OverpopulationOverpopulation Excessive population of an area to the point of Excessive population of an area to the point of

overcrowding, depletion of natural resources, or overcrowding, depletion of natural resources, or environmental deterioration.environmental deterioration.

PollutantsPollutants Something that pollutes, especially a waste material Something that pollutes, especially a waste material

that contaminates air, soil, or water.that contaminates air, soil, or water.

PopulationPopulation A group of individuals of the same species inhabiting A group of individuals of the same species inhabiting

a given area. a given area.

PredatorPredator

An animal that lives by capturing and eating other An animal that lives by capturing and eating other animals.animals.

PreyPrey

An animal hunted and killed for food by another animal. An animal hunted and killed for food by another animal.

ProducerProducer An organism that serves as a source of food for other An organism that serves as a source of food for other

organisms in a food chain. Producers include green organisms in a food chain. Producers include green plants, which produce food through photosynthesis.plants, which produce food through photosynthesis.

EcosystemEcosystem

A system formed by the interaction of a community A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment. of organisms with their physical environment.

PrairiePrairie An extensive area of flat or rolling grassland, An extensive area of flat or rolling grassland,

especially the large plain of central North America.especially the large plain of central North America.

MarshMarsh An area of soft, wet, low-lying land, characterized by An area of soft, wet, low-lying land, characterized by

grassy vegetation and often forming a transition zone grassy vegetation and often forming a transition zone between water and land.between water and land.

DesertDesert

A dry, often sandy region of little rainfall, extreme A dry, often sandy region of little rainfall, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation. temperatures, and sparse vegetation.

Herbivores Herbivores An animal that feeds only on plants such as cows, An animal that feeds only on plants such as cows,

grasshoppers and deer.grasshoppers and deer.

Carnivores Carnivores An animal that feeds chiefly on the flesh of other An animal that feeds chiefly on the flesh of other

animals. Carnivores include predators such as lions animals. Carnivores include predators such as lions and alligators, and scavengers such as hyenas and and alligators, and scavengers such as hyenas and vultures. vultures.

Omnivores Omnivores An animal that feeds on both animal and vegetable An animal that feeds on both animal and vegetable

substances. substances.

Insecticide Insecticide

A chemical used to kill insects. Nearly all insecticides have A chemical used to kill insects. Nearly all insecticides have the potential to significantly alter ecosystems; many are toxic the potential to significantly alter ecosystems; many are toxic to humans; and others are concentrated in the food chain.   to humans; and others are concentrated in the food chain.  

Increase Increase

To make or become greater in size, degree, or To make or become greater in size, degree, or frequency. frequency.

DecreaseDecrease

To grow or cause to grow gradually less or smaller, To grow or cause to grow gradually less or smaller, as in number, amount, or intensity. as in number, amount, or intensity.

AlgaeAlgae

Plants which grow in water or moist ground, and Plants which grow in water or moist ground, and which have no true stems, roots, or leaves. which have no true stems, roots, or leaves.

Plankton Plankton The small drifting plants and animals on the surface The small drifting plants and animals on the surface

layer of a sea or lake that serve as food for fish and layer of a sea or lake that serve as food for fish and other larger organisms.other larger organisms.

BacteriaBacteria A large group of one-celled organisms that, in some A large group of one-celled organisms that, in some

cases, cause disease. They are the most abundant cases, cause disease. They are the most abundant lifeforms on Earth, and are found in all living things lifeforms on Earth, and are found in all living things and in all of the Earth's environments. Bacteria and in all of the Earth's environments. Bacteria usually live off other organisms. usually live off other organisms.

Fungus/Fungi Fungus/Fungi

A plant without leaves, flowers, or roots, that A plant without leaves, flowers, or roots, that reproduce by spores, including moulds, yeasts, and reproduce by spores, including moulds, yeasts, and mushrooms. mushrooms.

CondensationCondensation

The stage of the water cycle in which water in vapor The stage of the water cycle in which water in vapor (gas) form cools and converts to liquid form.(gas) form cools and converts to liquid form.

EvaporationEvaporation

The stage of the water cycle in which water in liquid The stage of the water cycle in which water in liquid form warms and converts to vapor (gas) form.form warms and converts to vapor (gas) form.

PotentialPotential

PrecipitationPrecipitation

Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls to the earth's surface. that falls to the earth's surface.

Polar ClimatePolar Climate

A climatic zone located in the polar latitudes marked A climatic zone located in the polar latitudes marked by conditions too cold and harsh to support vegetation. by conditions too cold and harsh to support vegetation.

Temperate ClimateTemperate Climate

Characterized by moderate temperatures, weather, or Characterized by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate; neither hot nor cold. climate; neither hot nor cold.

ErosionErosion The wearing away of rocks or soil by the action of The wearing away of rocks or soil by the action of

water, ice, or wind.water, ice, or wind.

WeatheringWeathering Any of the chemical or mechanical processes by Any of the chemical or mechanical processes by

which rocks exposed to the weather undergo which rocks exposed to the weather undergo changes in character and break down.changes in character and break down.

DamDam

A barrier constructed across a waterway to A barrier constructed across a waterway to control the flow or raise the level of water. control the flow or raise the level of water.

DeltaDelta The flat area at the mouth of some rivers where The flat area at the mouth of some rivers where

the main stream splits up into several branches .the main stream splits up into several branches .

Sand DuneSand Dune

A ridge of sand created by the wind; found in A ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans. deserts or near lakes and oceans.

FormationFormation a series of rocks or clouds of a particular structure a series of rocks or clouds of a particular structure

or shape or shape

Meander Meander A stream consisting of successive meanders A stream consisting of successive meanders

(curves or bends). Meandering streams develop in (curves or bends). Meandering streams develop in relatively flat areas, such as a floodplain.relatively flat areas, such as a floodplain.

Valley Valley An elongated lowland between ranges of An elongated lowland between ranges of

mountains, hills, or other uplands, often having a mountains, hills, or other uplands, often having a river or stream running along the bottom. river or stream running along the bottom.

Glacier Glacier A huge mass of ice slowly flowing over a land A huge mass of ice slowly flowing over a land

mass, formed from compacted snow in an area mass, formed from compacted snow in an area where snow accumulation exceeds melting where snow accumulation exceeds melting

Plateau Plateau

a usually extensive land area having a relatively level a usually extensive land area having a relatively level surface raised sharply above adjacent land on at least surface raised sharply above adjacent land on at least one side one side

TributariesTributaries A stream that flows into a larger stream or other A stream that flows into a larger stream or other

body of water. body of water.

SlopeSlope

An elevated geological formation.An elevated geological formation.

Flood PlainFlood Plain

A low plain adjacent to a river that is formed chiefly A low plain adjacent to a river that is formed chiefly of river sediment and is subject to flooding. of river sediment and is subject to flooding.

SubmergedSubmerged

Beneath the surface of the water; "submerged rocks“. Beneath the surface of the water; "submerged rocks“.

DisposingDisposing

Aerial ViewAerial View A bird's-eye view is a view of an object from above, as though A bird's-eye view is a view of an object from above, as though

the observer were a bird, often used in the making of the observer were a bird, often used in the making of blueprints, floor plans and maps.blueprints, floor plans and maps.

NutrientsNutrients Any substance that can be metabolized by an animal Any substance that can be metabolized by an animal

to give energy and build tissue.to give energy and build tissue.

Sea Breezes Sea Breezes A wind from the sea that develops over land near coasts. It A wind from the sea that develops over land near coasts. It

is formed by increasing temperature differences between is formed by increasing temperature differences between the land and water which create a pressure minimum over the land and water which create a pressure minimum over the land due to its relative warmth and forces higher the land due to its relative warmth and forces higher pressure, cooler air from the sea to move inland. pressure, cooler air from the sea to move inland.

PermafrostPermafrost Permanently Permanently frozen soil, found in taiga and tundra frozen soil, found in taiga and tundra Limits plant growthLimits plant growth

Reforestation Reforestation

The restocking of existing forests and woodlands The restocking of existing forests and woodlands which have been depleted with native tree stock.which have been depleted with native tree stock.

ReclamationReclamation

Making land suitable for human use, usually through Making land suitable for human use, usually through irrigation or drainage. irrigation or drainage.

RecycleRecycle to put a used substance through a particular process to put a used substance through a particular process

so that it is fit to use again (paper, plastic, metal)so that it is fit to use again (paper, plastic, metal)

SurvivalSurvival A natural process resulting in the evolution of A natural process resulting in the evolution of

organisms best adapted to the environment.organisms best adapted to the environment.

Tropical Rain ForestTropical Rain Forest

The tropical rain forest is a forest of tall trees in a region of The tropical rain forest is a forest of tall trees in a region of

year-round warmth.year-round warmth.

TundraTundra

Any of the vast, nearly level, treeless plains of the Any of the vast, nearly level, treeless plains of the arctic regionsarctic regions

Deciduous ForestDeciduous Forest

Temperate deciduous forests are forests in cool, rainy Temperate deciduous forests are forests in cool, rainy areas; they have trees that lose their leaves in Fall and areas; they have trees that lose their leaves in Fall and re-grow them in Spring. re-grow them in Spring.

InertiaInertia

The tendency of objects to keep doing what they are The tendency of objects to keep doing what they are doing, whether it be moving or staying at restdoing, whether it be moving or staying at rest

MomentumMomentum

The product of an object’s mass and speed that affects The product of an object’s mass and speed that affects the motion of an objectthe motion of an object

The tendency of objects to keep doing what they are The tendency of objects to keep doing what they are doing, whether it be moving or staying at restdoing, whether it be moving or staying at rest

FrictionFriction

The resistance of a surface to relative The resistance of a surface to relative motion, as of an object sliding or rolling motion, as of an object sliding or rolling over itover it

WorkWork

Physical effort directed Physical effort directed toward achieving some toward achieving some result; laborresult; labor

Unbalanced forceUnbalanced force

When two or more forces operate on a body and When two or more forces operate on a body and change the rest or the motion of that bodychange the rest or the motion of that body

MassMass A measure of the quantity A measure of the quantity

of matter in an objectof matter in an object

Simple MachinesSimple Machines

Any device that changes Any device that changes forces or directions of forces or directions of forceforce

WheelWheel

Any machine having a circular shapeAny machine having a circular shape

Inclined PlaneInclined Plane

A simple machine used to raise A simple machine used to raise or lower a load by rolling or or lower a load by rolling or slidingsliding

WedgeWedge

A piece of wood or metal in a three-A piece of wood or metal in a three-dimensional, triangular shape with a thin dimensional, triangular shape with a thin edge that is forced between objects to edge that is forced between objects to split, lift, or reinforce themsplit, lift, or reinforce them

ScrewScrew

A fastener driven into A fastener driven into a surface by applying a surface by applying pressure to the head pressure to the head while turning itwhile turning it

LeverLever

Simple machine which has Simple machine which has a bar and pivots (moves) a bar and pivots (moves) around a fulcrum to move around a fulcrum to move force from one point to force from one point to anotheranother

AxleAxle

A supporting bar or shaft on which a A supporting bar or shaft on which a wheel or wheels turnwheel or wheels turn

GearGear a part, as a disk, wheel, or a part, as a disk, wheel, or

section of a shaft, having section of a shaft, having cut teeth of such form, size, cut teeth of such form, size, and spacing that they mesh and spacing that they mesh with teeth in another part to with teeth in another part to transmit or receive force transmit or receive force and motion.and motion.

PulleyPulley

A wheel or set of wheels which grooved A wheel or set of wheels which grooved edges over which a rope or chain can be edges over which a rope or chain can be drawn in order to change the direction of drawn in order to change the direction of a pulling force and allow you to lift morea pulling force and allow you to lift more

Compound MachineCompound Machine

A device that A device that combines two or more combines two or more simple machinessimple machines