| Question | Answer |
| evolution | A process of change that explains why what we see today is different from what existed in the past;
it includes changes in the galaxies, stars, solar system, earth and life on earth. Biological evolution
is a change in hereditary characteristics of grou |
| extinction | The complete elimination of a species from the earth. |
| endangered species | A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. |
| equilibrium | The ability of an ecosystem to maintain stability among its biological resources (e.g., forest,
fisheries, crops) so that there is a steady optimum yield. |
| sustainability | The ability to keep in existence or maintain. A sustainable ecosystem is one that can be
maintained. |
| succession | The series of changes that occur in an ecosystem with the passing of time. |
| closing the loop | A link in the circular chain of recycling events that promotes the use of products made with
recycled materials. |
| non-renewable resources | Substances (e.g., oil, gas, coal, copper, gold) that, once used, cannot be replaced in this geological
age. |
| renewable | A naturally occurring raw material or form of energy that will be replenished through natural
ecological cycles or sound management practices |
| recycling | Collecting and reprocessing a resource or product to make into new products. |
| composting | The process of mixing decaying leaves, manure and other nutritive matter to improve and fertilize
soil. |
| fact | Information that has been objectively verified. |
| theory | Systematically organized knowledge applicable in a relatively wide variety of circumstances;
especially, a system of assumptions, accepted principles and rules of procedure devised to analyze,
predict or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a spe |
| hypothesis | An assertion subject to verification or proof as a premise from which a conclusion is drawn. |
| law | Summarizing statement of observed experimental facts that has been tested many times and is
generally accepted as true. |
| model | A description, analogy or a representation of something that helps us understand it better (e.g., a
physical model, a conceptual model, a mathematical model). |
| inquiry | A systematic process for using knowledge and skills to acquire and apply new knowledge. |
| patterns | Repeated processes that are exhibited in a wide variety of ways; identifiable recurrences of the
element and/or the form. |
| regulation | A rule or order issued by an executive authority or regulatory agency of a government and having
the force of law. |
