Upper-Intermediate — Set 15

Set 15 of Upper-Intermediate covers 5 words: habitat, species, extinction, contamination, deforestation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. habitat · noun/ˈhæbəˌtæt/

   the natural environment where plants and animals live and grow

   The tour offers the opportunity to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, surrounded by the deep, dark blue ocean.

   Synonyms: environment, territory

   Origin: late 18th century: from Latin, literally ‘it dwells’, from habitare (see habitable)

2. species · noun/ˈspiʃiz/

   a group of similar organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring

   The conservation efforts in the national park focus on the protection of rare species, ensuring their survival in their natural environments.

   Synonyms: breed, type, kind, sort

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin, literally ‘appearance, form, beauty’, from specere ‘to look’

3. extinction · noun/ɪkˈstɪŋ(k)ʃən/

   the complete disappearance of a type of organism from the Earth

   Having alarming implications for human survival, one million plant and animal species all around the world are on the verge of extinction..

   Synonyms: destruction,elimination

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin exstinctio(n-), from exstinguere ‘quench’ (see extinguish)

4. contamination · noun/kənˌtæməˈneɪʃən/

   the act of making something impure or dirty by polluting

   You might find it surprising, but plastic office products can pose a significant contamination risk to office workers and their workspaces.

   Synonyms: pollution

5. deforestation · noun/ˌdiˌfɔrəˈsteɪʃən/

   the process of clearing or cutting down forests, often for agricultural or industrial purposes, leading to the loss of forested land

   The Brazilian government unexpectedly announced a high rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, a crucial natural habitat for rare species.

   Synonyms: desertification, erosion