50 Nature Phrases for English Learners

A collection of practice flashcards covering vocabulary for nature features, descriptors, common environmental problems, biological verbs, and small botanical details based on Vanessa's nature phrases lesson.

What is a forest?

A large area covered mostly with trees and undergrowth.

What is the definition of a jungle?

A large area in the tropics, covered in dense trees and undergrowth.

What is a fjord?

A long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs.

What characterizes a canyon?

A deep, narrow valley with steep sides and (usually) a river running through it.

What are rivers, streams, and creeks?

Bodies of water that run or flow into a larger body of water.

What is a lake?

A large body of water surrounded by land.

How much of the earth’s surface is covered by the ocean?

The ocean covers $\frac{3}{4}$ of the earth’s surface.

What is a mountain?

A large landform that rises above the surrounding area.

What is a beach?

Where the ocean meets land, typically sandy or rocky.

What is a desert?

A large area of land, usually with sand, that has very little water or vegetation.

What does it mean if a view is breathtaking?

When something is so beautiful, it takes your breath away.

In nature, what does refreshing mean?

Something new or different that gives you strength or energy.

What does it mean for a plant to be flourishing?

When something develops quickly and successfully; thriving.

What are evergreen plants?

Plants and foliage that stay green year-round.

What does the word verdant describe?

A bright green color, like you would see with rich grass and other vegetation.

How is crisp weather described?

When the weather is pleasantly fresh, cold, and dry.

What is the definition of pristine?

Something that is clean, fresh, and not polluted.

What does lush mean in the context of nature?

Rich with vegetation.

What is the definition of majestic?

Beautiful, powerful, and causing feelings of admiration or respect.

What is a sweeping view?

A view extending over a wide range.

What are environmental issues?

The harmful effects that human can have on nature, including pollution, overpopulation, and climate change.

What is a flood?

When a large amount of water overflows its normal boundaries.

What is a drought?

A lack of rain over a long period of time, such as not raining for over $100$ days.

What is pollution?

A chemical or substance that has harmful or poisonous effects.

What is the difference between endangered and extinct?

Endangered means something is at risk of no longer existing; extinction means something no longer exists.

What is habitat loss?

When a species loses its natural habitat as a result of natural or (most commonly) man-made destruction.

What is loss of biodiversity?

The loss of various types of life (plants, animals, fungi) in an area that causes an imbalance.

What is an invasive species?

A plant or animal that is brought in and causes harm to that environment.

What is erosion?

When earth is worn away by wind or water.

What are wildfires?

When an unplanned fire burns out of control in a rural area, destroying vegetation and habitat.

What does it mean to plant?

To place a seed, bulb, or root in the ground so that it can grow.

What does it mean for a tree to grow?

When something develops, increasing and changing in size.

What does it mean to rot?

When something dead starts to break down or decay.

What is the definition of hibernate?

When plants or animals spend the winter in a dormant state; it’s like everything gets paused for the season.

What does it mean for a plant to flower?

When a plant produces flowers or blooms.

What is the process to pollinate?

To move pollen among plants, allowing fertilization and the production of seeds.

What does it mean for animals like bears to forage?

To search for food.

What is the definition of regenerate?

When a living organism regrows tissue as a result of loss.

What does it mean for a stream to babble?

It refers to the sound of running water.

What does the phrase blowing in the breeze describe?

The swaying motion and swishing sound that the wind makes when it moves through things like tall grass and trees.

What are petals?

The colorful leaves surrounding the middle of a flower.

What is the stem of a plant?

The part of the plant that supports the leaves, flowers, and fruit and transports water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.

What is the trunk of a tree?

The thick base of a tree.

What is bark?

The thick, woody skin of a tree.

What is a branch?

A part of a tree that grows out from the trunk.

What is the difference between leaves and needles?

Leaves are typically broad and flat; needles look like green needles and often stay green in the fall.

What are acorns and pinecones?

Acorns are the seeds of oak trees and pinecones are the seed pods of pine trees.

What is a blade of grass?

A single, long narrow leaf of the plant grass.

What is moss?

A very small green or yellow plant that grows in wet earth or on rocks, walls, and tree trunks.

How are rocks, stones, and pebbles distinguished?

A rock is a solid mass of material or minerals; stones are smaller pieces of rocks; pebbles are smaller, smoother bits of rocks.