Y07W12VC Theme Words — Biodiversity
This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of Biodiversity. The words in this set are used when discussing ecosystems, species variety, conservation, and the relationships between living things and their environments. Many of these terms appear in science writing, environmental reports and academic texts. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage critically with questions about the health and future of our natural world.
Word in Context (Theme: Biodiversity)
These three words connect to the theme of Biodiversity. As you read, notice how each word helps you discuss this topic with more precise, thoughtful language.
species
/ˈspiː.ʃiːz/
spe‑cies
noun
A group of living organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring; a particular kind or type.
Word family: species (plural form same as singular)
Example: Different species of birds migrate to warmer regions during winter.
Synonyms: kind, type, variety
Collocations: endangered species, native species, human species
ecosystem
/ˈiː.kəʊ.sɪs.təm/
e‑co‑sys‑tem
noun
A community of organisms and the physical environment they interact with; a system of living and non-living things.
Word family: ecosystems (n. plural), ecological (adj.)
Example: A rainforest ecosystem contains thousands of different species living together.
Synonyms: habitat, environment, community
Collocations: marine ecosystem, forest ecosystem, healthy ecosystem
diverse
/daɪˈvɜːs/
di‑verse
adjective
Very different from each other; showing variety; including many different types.
Word family: diversity (n.), diversify (v.), diversely (adv.)
Example: Tropical rainforests are home to a diverse range of animals and plants.
Synonyms: varied, varied, varied
Collocations: diverse species, diverse range, diverse community
Academic Vocab
interpret
/ɪnˈtɜː.prɪt/
in‑ter‑pret
verb | [interpret – interpreted – interpreted]
To explain the meaning of something; to understand or explain what something means.
Word family: interprets (v.), interpretation (n.), interpreted (adj.)
Example: Scientists interpret fossil records to understand how species evolved over time.
Synonyms: explain, understand, translate
Collocations: interpret data, interpret results, interpret evidence
investigate
/ɪnˈves.tɪ.ɡeɪt/
in‑ves‑ti‑gate
verb | [investigate – investigated – investigated]
To examine closely; to inquire into something carefully to discover facts.
Word family: investigates (v.), investigation (n.), investigator (n.)
Example: Ecologists investigate how human activities affect different ecosystems.
Synonyms: examine, explore, research
Collocations: investigate cause, investigate impact, investigate why
modify
/ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ/
mod‑i‑fy
verb | [modify – modified – modified]
To change something; to alter or adjust something.
Word Breakdown: -ify (suffix meaning 'to make or cause to become')
Word family: modifies (v.), modification (n.), modified (adj.)
Example: Humans modify natural habitats when they clear forests for farming.
Synonyms: change, alter, adjust
Collocations: modify behaviour, modify habitat, modify approach
similar
/ˈsɪm.ɪ.lə/
sim‑i‑lar
adjective
Resembling without being identical; alike in some ways but not exactly the same.
Word family: similarly (adv.), similarity (n.)
Example: Many species have similar characteristics that help them survive in their environments.
Synonyms: alike, comparable, comparable
Collocations: similar species, similar characteristics, similar pattern
acquire
/əˈkwaɪə/
ac‑quire
verb | [acquire – acquired – acquired]
To obtain or gain possession of something; to get or develop something over time.
Word family: acquires (v.), acquisition (n.), acquired (adj.)
Example: Animals acquire new skills through learning and experience.
Synonyms: obtain, gain, get
Collocations: acquire knowledge, acquire skills, acquire resources
upon analysis
/əˈpɒn əˈnæl.ɪ.sɪs/
u‑pon a‑nal‑y‑sis
phrase (connecting phrase)
A connecting phrase used to introduce what is discovered or revealed when information is examined carefully.
Example: The data shows many species are endangered. Upon analysis, researchers found habitat loss is the main cause.
Synonyms: after analysis, after examining, upon examination
Collocations: upon analysis, upon examination, upon review
Confusing Words
raise vs rise
Raise' and 'rise' are often confused because they both relate to moving upward, but they have different grammatical functions and meanings.
- raise — raise' is a transitive verb, which means it needs an object — you raise something else — for example, 'Deforestation raises carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.' or 'The charity will raise money to protect endangered species.'
- rise — rise' is an intransitive verb, which means it does not take an object — something rises on its own — for example, 'Water levels rise during the rainy season.' or 'The population of some species will rise if we protect their habitats.'
Memory rule: A quick way to keep them apart: if someone is doing something TO something else, use raise; if something happens on its own, use rise.
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