Environmental Science Terms

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abiotic

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nonliving components of the environment

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aboveground biomass

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total mass of aboveground living plants per area

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abyssal zone

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deepest part of the ocean at depths of 4000 m or greater

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algal bloom

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rapid increase of algae in an aquatic system

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aphotic zone

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part of the ocean where no light penetrates

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benthic realm

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part of the ocean that extends along the ocean bottom from the shoreline to the deepest parts of the ocean floor

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biogeography

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study of the geographic distribution of living things and the abiotic factors that affect their distribution

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biome

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ecological community of plants, animals, and other organisms that is adapted to a characteristic set of environmental conditions

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biotic

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living components of the environment

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canopy

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branches and foliage of trees that form a layer of overhead coverage in a forest