{"id":245,"date":"2019-06-22T23:05:04","date_gmt":"2019-06-22T23:05:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/back-matter\/glossary\/"},"modified":"2019-06-22T23:05:04","modified_gmt":"2019-06-22T23:05:04","slug":"glossary","status":"publish","type":"back-matter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/back-matter\/glossary\/","title":{"raw":"Glossary","rendered":"Glossary"},"content":{"raw":"","rendered":"
\n
abiotic <\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a nonliving component of an ecosystem, such as air, water, or temperature<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

abiotic<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a living component of a biological community<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

alleles<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an alternative form of a gene for a given trait<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

biome<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

large regional communities primarily determined by climate<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

biotic<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a living component of a biological community<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Chromosomes<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

complex structures within the within the nucleus of a cell composed of various types of proteins and DNA that contains the cell\u2019s genetic information<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Commensalism<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a relationship between two organisms in which one is helped and the other is not affected<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

competition<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

two or more organisms which compete for vital resources e.g food, shelter, nesting sites, mates, space, water, etc<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

cytosine<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a single-ring nitrogeneous-base molecule in DNA and RNA; complementary base of guanine<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

decomposer<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

organisms that use dead organic matter as a source of energy<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the fundamental hereditary material of all living things. In eukaryotes, stored primarily in the cell nucleus<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

dioecious <\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

organisms in which the two sexes are \u201choused\u201d in two different individuals so that eggs an sperm are not produced in the same individuals e.g. humans, fruit flies, oak trees, date palms<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

DNA<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

(deoxyribonucleic acid) the fundamental hereditary material of all living things. In eukaryotes, stored primarily in the cell nucleus<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Ecology<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the branch of science which studies the relationships between organisms and their environment<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

ecosystem<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

all organisms in a given area, along with nonliving (abiotic) factors with which they interact<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

energy <\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
<\/dd>\n
energy<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the ability to perform work<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

eukaryotic<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

organisms whose cells contain their genetic material inside a nucleus; contains both membrane-enclosed nucleus and organelles e.g. protists, plants, animals, and fungi<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Evolution<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
<\/dd>\n
food chain<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a series of organisms through which energy is passed in the form of food; the flow of energy from one organism to another<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Function<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the job of the part of the living organism<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Genes<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the unit of hereditary information that controls the traits of an organism; located on the chromosomes<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

genetic material<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

units of heredity information that controls the traits of a particular organism; located on chromosomes<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

h<\/strong>ermaphroditic<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the coexistence of both male and female sex organs in an organism; many plants contain both sex organs<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Homeostasis<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the steady-state of body functioning; a state of equilibrium characterized by a dynamic interplay between outside forces that tend to change an organism\u2019s internal environment and the internal control mechanisms that oppose such changes<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

locus<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the spot on chromosome where the allele is located<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Matter<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
<\/dd>\n
Mitosis<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

nuclear division in eukaryotes leading to the formation of two daughter nuclei each with a chromosome complement identical to that of the original nucleus<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Mutations<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
<\/dd>\n
mutualism<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an inter-specific relationship in which both partners benefit in some way(s)<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

nucleotides<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
<\/dd>\n
organism<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an independent learning unit<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

parasitism<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a relationship in which an organism derives its nutrition from a living host which is in turn harmed by the interaction<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

phenotypes<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a form of a given trait that is expressed, or observable<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Photosynthesis<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the process by which plants use light energy to make sugars and other organic food molecules from carbon dioxide and water<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

population<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a group of individuals belonging to the same species and living in the same geographic area<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

predator<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an interaction between species in which one species, the predator, eats the other (prey)<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

producer<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

organisms that produce new organic material from inorganic material with the aid of sunlight; commonly known as plants<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

prokaryotes<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

organisms whose genetic material is not contained in a nucleus; lacks both membrane-enclosed nucleus organelles e.g. bacteria<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Prokaryotic<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

organisms whose genetic material is not contained in a nucleus; lacks both membrane-enclosed nucleus organelles e.g. bacteria<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Proteins<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulphur that is essential to living things<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

response<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the reaction of an organism to a stimulus<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

RNA<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

(ribonucleic acid) a nucleic acid containing ribose. Various classes of RNA are involved in the transcription and translation of genetic information. RNA serves as the genetic storage material in some viruses<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

RNA<\/strong>, or ribonucleic acid<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a nucleic acid containing ribose. Various classes of RNA are involved in the transcription and translation of genetic information. RNA serves as the genetic storage material in some viruses<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

stimuli<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

any change of the internal or external environment of an organism that it can detect<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Structure<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the part of a living organism; can be internal or external<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

uracil<\/strong><\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a single ring nitrogenous-base molecule in RNA but not in DNA; complementary to adenine<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

adenine<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a double-ring nitrogeneous-base molecule in DNA and RNA; complementary base of thymine or uracil<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Air Mass<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A large body of air that takes on the climatic conditions of the area where it is formed.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Albedo<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The amount of energy reflected by a surface. Light surfaces tend to have a high albedo because they reflect more energy. Dark surfaces tend to have a low albedo because they absorb more energy.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

amino acids<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a compound which contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side group; these are the building blocks of proteins<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Aquifer<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An underground area of rock that stores groundwater. Humans often pump out groundwater from aquifers or use them as a source for wells.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Asteroid<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Rocky celestial bodies left over from the formation of the solar system that are smaller than planets and orbit the Sun.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Big Bang Theory<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Scientific theory for how the universe was created.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Black Hole<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An area in space with extremely strong gravity from which no light can escape.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Boundary<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The border between two tectonic plates.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Buoyancy<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the ability or tendency to float in water or air or some other fluid<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

carrying capacity<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the optimum maximum population size an area can support over an extended period of time.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Cellular respiration<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the breakdown of food molecules, such as glucose, and the storage of potential energy in a form that the cells can use to perform work<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Circuit<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A path through which electricity can flow.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Climate<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The typical weather conditions in an area over a 30-year period.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Climate Change<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A significant change over a 30-year period from the typical or expected weather patterns of an area. Modern climate change is human-caused.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Comet<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A frozen ball of gas, rock, and dust that orbit the Sun. When a comet gets close to the Sun, it heats up and the gas and dust form a tail.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Condensation<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Process by which water changes states from water vapor to liquid water.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Continental Drift<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Theory that states that all of Earth's land was originally a united supercontinent that drifted apart over time. This theory was eventually replaced by the theory of plate tectonics.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Continental Plates<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Less dense tectonic plates that make up the surface of land on Earth.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Convergent Boundary<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Tectonic plates push into each other.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Core<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The innermost layers of Earth; made of a liquid outer core and a solid inner core.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Crater<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Depression formed by an impact.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Crust<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The outermost layer of Earth.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Current<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A flow of electrical charge<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

decomposer<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an organism which feeds on dead organic material<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Desublimation<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Process by which water vapor (gas) converts straight to solid form, resulting in snow.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Divergent Boundary<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Tectonic plates pull apart from each other.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Dominant alleles<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an allele that expresses itself and masks the effects of other alleles for the trait<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

ecological pyramid<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an illustration of the relationship between producers and consumers at different trophic levels<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Ecosystem<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An interconnected community of all the living organisms and the physical landscape of an area.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Electricity<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The movement of electrons from one atom to another creating a flow of electrical charge<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Equinox<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The day when there is an equal amount of day and night (12 hours each). Occurs when the Sun shines directly on the Equator.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Erosion<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Process by which broken down rocks are carried to a new location.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Evaporation<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Process by which water changes states from liquid to gaseous water vapor.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Evapotranspiration<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Process by which water evaporates from the surface of the land or from plant's leaves.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Fault<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Break or crack in the plates on Earth's crust.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

food chain<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a sequence of food transfers from producers through one to four levels of consumers in an ecosystem<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

food web<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a network of interconnecting food chains<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Fossil Fuels<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Finite sources of energy derived from ancient remains of decomposing organisms. The main fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

friction<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a force that holds back the motion of a sliding object<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Galaxy<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A collection of billions of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity in space.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Geocentrism<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The theory that Earth is at the center of our solar system, and the Sun and other planets revolve around it.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Geode<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a rock containing a cavity lined with crystals or other mineral matter<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Geomagnetic Poles<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

North and south axes of Earth's magnetic field<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Glacier<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Large body of snow and ice that moves slowly across land.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Glacier Retreat<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

When glaciers melt at a faster rate than snow falls to rebuild the glacier's mass.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Greenhouse Gas<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An asymmetrical gas in Earth's atmosphere that traps heat. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, and water vapor.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Hardiness Zones<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A way of indicating which plants will grow best in an area based on the average temperature.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Heliocentrism<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The theory that the Sun is at the center of our solar system.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

High Pressure System<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Air pressure on Earth is higher than normal, so air descends. A high pressure system is associated with good weather--sunny and clear skies.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Hot Spot<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An extremely hot area located in the center of a tectonic plate where magma can rise to the surface. Some volcanoes are located over hot spots, rather than at tectonic plate boundaries.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

inertia<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An object's tendency to resist changes in motion.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Infiltration<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The process by which surface water soaks into the ground.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Island Arc<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A chain of islands in the ocean in an arc shape. Formed by two convergent oceanic plates and volcanic eruptions.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Jet Stream<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A large current of wind which carries warm and cold air masses to different areas of Earth.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Kinetic Energy<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The energy of an object due to motion.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Latitude<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A location's distance from the Equator.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Law of Original Horizontality<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Due to the pull of gravity, new rock is initially formed in flat, horizontal layers.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Law of Superposition<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Deeper layers of rocks are older than layers closer to the surface.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

limiting factors<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

environmental influences that limit population growth; these can be natural or a result of human impact<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Lithosphere<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Part of Earth made of the crust and the upper molten part of the mantle.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Low Pressure System<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Air pressure on Earth is lower than normal, so air rises. A low pressure system is associated with bad weather--clouds, rain, and wind.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Magma<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Molten rock beneath Earth's surface.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Magnet<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An object or material that produces its own magnetic field<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Magnetic Field<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The area around a magnet that has magnetic force<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Magnetism<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A force that attracts or repels objects that contain magnetic material<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Mantle<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The middle layer of Earth between the crust and the core.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Meteor<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The streak of light that is caused when a meteoroid enters Earth\u2019s atmosphere and burns up due to friction. Also known as a shooting star.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Meteorite<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A meteoroid that survives its trip through the atmosphere and lands somewhere on Earth. The impact of a meteorite can cause a crater on the surface of a planet.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Meteoroid<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A small rock in space that orbits around the Sun. Most meteoroids have broken off of larger objects such as asteroids or comets. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pickup truck.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Mid-Ocean Ridge<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An underwater chain of mountains formed at a divergent plate boundary.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

natural selection<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

the theory, proposed by Charles Darwin, that organisms with traits well adapted for their environment will be more likely survive and reproduce while organisms not as well adapted will not be as likely to survive and reproduce<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Nebula<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A cloud of gas and dust in space.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Nuclear Fusion<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The process by which stars get their energy. Atoms fuse together creating a nuclear reaction which releases energy in the form of heat and light in the star.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Oceanic Plates<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Denser tectonic plates that make up the ocean floor on Earth.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

organism<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

an independent learning unit<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Pangaea<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A supercontinent made of all of Earth's landmass that existed 200-250 million years ago.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Parallel Circuit<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A circuit where electricity flows through multiple paths<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Period<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The time it takes a pendulum to swing across and back to its original starting point.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Plane of the Ecliptic<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The disk-shaped plane in which everything in our solar system orbits around the Sun.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Plate Tectonics<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Theory that Earth's crust is divided into many pieces, called tectonic plates, which move over time due to convection currents in the mantle.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Positive Feedback Loop<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A process where one change triggers the next in a continuous cycle that encourages the initial change.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Potential Energy<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The energy held by an object that gives it capacity to do work.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

ppm<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Parts per million; a unit of measurement for carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Precipitation<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Heavier water droplets condense and fall from clouds to Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, or hail.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

pressure<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

force applied over an area<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Rain Shadow<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A desert area that is created when a mountain blocks precipitation from passing to one side.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Red Giant<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Phase in a star's life cycle where it greatly increases in size as it burns fuel through nuclear fusion.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Ring of Fire<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An area in the Pacific Ocean bounded by several tectonic plates. Due to tectonic activity along these plates, this area has a high number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

S-shaped curve<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a curve that occurs when the birth and death rate in a population come closer together and the population size levels off<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Series Circuit<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A circuit where electricity flows through one continuous path<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Snowball Earth<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A period of extreme glaciation where a positive feedback loop led to Earth being covered almost entirely by ice.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Solar System<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Our Sun and all of the planets and other bodies in space (comets, asteroids, meteoroids) that orbit around the Sun in the plane of the ecliptic.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Subduction<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

When two tectonic plates converge, the denser plate is pushed under the other.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Subduction Zone<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The boundary between two convergent tectonic plates where one plate subducts under the other.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Sublimation<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Process by which water changes straight from its solid state to gas. This is the same process that occurs with dry ice--when exposed to air, carbon dioxide is released in the form of gas through sublimation.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Summer Solstice<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The day with the most sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere this occurs when the Sun shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Supernova<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The giant explosion of a supermassive star at the end of its life cycle.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Thermal Expansion<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

An increase in the volume of matter when its temperature increases.<\/p>\n

As global temperature increases, ocean water heats and expands which contributes to sea level rise.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

thymine<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

a single-ring nitrogeneous-base molecule in DNA but not in RNA; complementary base of adenine<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Tipping Point<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A place of irreversible damage where abnormal and extreme climate change conditions become the norm.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Topography<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The physical features of an area of land.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Transform Boundary<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Tectonic plates sideswipe each other.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Trench<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A long depression formed on the ocean floor from the convergence of two oceanic plates. Trenches are some of the deepest place on Earth's surface.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Volcano<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

A vent that allows magma, rock fragments, ash, and gases to escape to the surface of a planet or moon.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Water Cycle<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

Process of how water in different states continuously moves on, above, and below Earth's surface.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Weather<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The short term atmospheric conditions in an area.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Weathering<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The breakdown of rocks on Earth's surface<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n

Winter Solstice<\/dfn><\/dt>\n
\n

The day with the least of sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere this occurs when the Sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"back-matter-type":[38],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-245","back-matter","type-back-matter","status-publish","hentry","back-matter-type-glossary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/back-matter\/245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/back-matter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/back-matter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/back-matter\/245\/revisions"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/back-matter\/245\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"back-matter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/back-matter-type?post=245"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=245"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.usnh.edu\/methods\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}