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metabolism a process by which food is converted into energy

mortality rate the measurement of number of deaths against the population of an area

moss soft green or brown plant that grows in layers on wet ground, rocks, or trees

passerine related to birds known for having feet most suitable for perching on trees

permafrost ground that remains permanently frozen all year round

plankton very tiny organisms that include both zooplankton and phytoplankton

precipitation water that falls to the ground in the form of either rain, snow, hail, or sleet

spawn the release or deposition of eggs by a fish, frog, mollusk, etc.

symbiotic relationship a relationship between two living organisms in which each benefits the other

thaw when ice or snow turns liquid due to high temperature

tundra the Arctic region of Asia, Europe, and North America

vulnerable someone or something that can be easily harmed or attacked

waterfowl birds that spend most of their life in or near water

The Future of Biodiversity

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