Y06W26VC Theme Words — Animals & extinction

At serious risk of becoming extinct because of a dramatic decline in numbers.

Word family: endangered (adj.), endanger (v.)

Example: The orange-bellied parrot is one of Australia's most endangered birds, with fewer than fifty remaining in the wild.

Synonyms: threatened, at risk, vulnerable

Collocations: an endangered species, critically endangered, endangered habitat

No longer existing; having died out completely.

Word family: extinct (adj.), extinction (n.)

Example: The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, is believed to have become extinct in the twentieth century.

Synonyms: died out, vanished, no longer existing

Collocations: become extinct, declared extinct, extinction event

The natural environment in which a plant or animal lives and grows.

Word family: habitat (n.)

Example: Clearing land for agriculture destroys the habitat of many native species and reduces biodiversity.

Synonyms: environment, ecosystem, home range

Collocations: natural habitat, loss of habitat, protect a habitat

To investigate or examine something thoroughly, often to discover something new.

Word family: explore (v.), exploration (n.), exploratory (adj.)

Example: The documentary explored the impact of climate change on polar bear populations in the Arctic.

Synonyms: investigate, examine, research

Collocations: explore the issue, explore ideas, explore further

To find or learn something for the first time.

Word family: discover (v.), discovery (n.)

Example: Researchers recently discovered a previously unknown species of deep-sea fish near the Australian coast.

Synonyms: find, uncover, identify

Collocations: discover a species, make a discovery, discover that

To look at something carefully and in detail in order to learn more about it.

Word family: examine (v.), examination (n.)

Example: The scientists examined the habitat carefully, recording every species they observed.

Synonyms: inspect, study, analyse

Collocations: examine closely, examine the evidence, examine in detail

Careful study and investigation into a topic to discover new information or verify facts.

Word family: research (n./v.), researcher (n.)

Example: The students conducted research into the causes of honey bee decline before writing their report.

Synonyms: investigation, study, inquiry

Collocations: conduct research, research into, carry out research

To carry out a systematic study or examination to discover the truth about something.

Word family: investigate (v.), investigation (n.)

Example: Wildlife officers investigated reports of illegal logging near a protected koala habitat.

Synonyms: examine, study, probe

Collocations: investigate a claim, conduct an investigation, investigate further

‘Furthermore’ adds another point that supports or builds on the idea before it.

Example: The argument is clear; furthermore, it is supported with strong examples.

Synonyms: also, in addition, moreover

Collocations: furthermore, this shows; furthermore, it is; furthermore, there are