Glossary of Terms

Closed Ecosystem: An ecosystem, such as an island, where species cannot very easily leave or enter without help from an outside force, such as humans.

Deforestation: The large scale removal of trees from an area by humans.

Ecosystem: A system formed by the interaction between the living things in an area such as animals, people, and plants, and their environment including the air, land, and water.

Endangered: In danger of becoming extinct.

Extinct: No longer in existence, all members of the group have died. 

Exotic Species: A species that has been brought into an area by an outside force, such as humans, that was not originally there.

Habitat: The place or environment where something lives.

Native Species: An animal species that has been a part of an environment for the better part of history.

Overexploitation: To overuse or take advantage of something to the point that it is hurt or depleted.

 

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