habitat

The physical environment in which individuals of a particular species can be found. (Chapter 8, 10)

habitat destruction

The alteration of a natural area in a way that makes it unsuitable for the species living there. (Chapter 12)

habitat fragmentation

The destruction of part of an area that creates a patchwork of suitable and unsuitable habitat area that may exclude some species altogether. (Chapter 12)

hazardous waste

Waste that is toxic, flammable, corrosive, explosive, or radioactive. (Chapter 7)

high-level radioactive waste (HLRW)

Spent nuclear reactor fuel or waste from the production of nuclear weapons that is still highly radioactive. (Chapter 22)

high-yield varieties (HYVs)

Strains of staple crops selectively bred to produce more grain than their natural counterparts. (Chapter 16)

hormone

A chemical released by organisms that directs cellular activity and produces changes in how their bodies function. (Chapter 3)

hydropower

Energy produced from moving water. (Chapter 23)

hypothesis

A possible explanation for what we have observed that is based on some previous knowledge. (Chapter 2)

hypoxia

A situation in which a body of water contains inadequate levels of oxygen, compromising the health of many aquatic organisms. (Chapter 15)