Appendix 1-7 Glossary
Chapter 1 Introduction
E
Echolocate . Emit high frequency sound pulses and gain information about the surrounding environment from the retuning echoes.
Ecoregion – an area defined by environmental conditions and natural features; a region defined by its ecology. An area of land or water that is characterized by distinct plant communities and geologic features. Ecosystem – An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. It is a system of environmental conditions, habitats, natural communities, and species that interact.
Ecotone . A zone of transition between habitat types.
Emergent . Above the surface; often referring to water but can refer to other situations (eg. canopy).
Endangerment - Refers to a situation in which a species is vulnerable to extinction or extirpation.
Endemic (endemism) – Native or confined to a certain region. Refers to species with a relatively local distribution, sometimes occurring as small populations confined to a single place, such as a particular stream or mountain cove. Endemic species are more vulnerable to extinction than are more widespread species. Estuarine system - Mixing area of saltwater and freshwater; tidally- and wind-influenced waters that are usually semi-enclosed by land but have open, partly obstructed, or sporadic access to the ocean, with ocean-derived water at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land. The upstream and landward limit is where ocean- derived salts cause the water to have salinity 0.5 ppt during the period of average annual low flow. The seaward limit is an imaginary line closing the mouth of a river, bay, or sound. (NCDMF CHPP).
Evapotranspiration – The combination of evaporation of water from plant and ground surfaces and transpiration.
Exotic species (also commonly called alien, non-indigenous, or non-native ) – a species occurring outside of its native range. Exotic species often occur because they have been introduced (either intentionally or accidentally) or they may occur because of opportunistic expansion into habitats where they would not normally occur.
Extinct . Of a species, no longer represented by living individuals.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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