Australian Government
A group of people who create laws, actions and make decisions on behalf of the Australian Population.
Biodiversity
The diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat. E.g. Biodiversity in the Ocean.
Breeding/Breed
To produce a child/baby either by giving birth to or hatch.
Conservation
Is the process of protecting, preserving, managing and restoring wildlife and natural resources such as forests, soil and water.
Continents
One of the large landmasses of the earth E.g. There are 7 continents on Earth.
Endangered
The danger of being extinct, disappearing forever.
Extinct
No longer in existence; lost or especially having died out leaving no living representatives. E.g. Dinosaurs are extinct creatures.
Global Warming
An increase in the average temperature of the Earth''s atmosphere.
Habitats
The place where a particular organism (animal or plant) usually lives or grows. E.g. The rainforest is the usual habitat for Gorillas.
Heritage Site
Natural or Man-Made objects that have a strong history. These objects have been chosen to be protected and looked after so they are able to stand for years to come. E.g. The Great Barrier Reef is an Australian Heritage Site. This Site is protected from fishing and hunting and there are many systems in place to help conserve the life of this Reef.
Native
A person or object born or existing in a particular and specific place E.g. Kangaroos are native to Australia.
Poaching/Poach
Is to hunt illegally. E.g. Hunters are poaching Elephants for there tusks.
Pollution
The act of contaminating the natural environment, intentionally or accidentally, with unwanted goods and substances. E.g. The local lake is full of pollution because people living nearby are throwing rubbish on the ground which is landing in drains and ending in the lake.
Species
A specific kind of something. E.g. There a many different species of birds.
Threatened Ecological Community
Are ecosystems in Australia that are in danger of becoming lost due to a threatening process. These ecosystems are protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 E.g. The local river and lakes are in danger of becoming lost forever due to pollution, the whole area of the river and lakes can be called a Threatened Ecological Community.