1. The process of incorporating observations about a situation or phenomenon into a framework of prior knowledge, allowing one to propose possible explanations for it. This type of reasoning is necessary for the formulation of hypotheses using the scientific method. 2. Using specific observations or accepted scientific facts to develop tentative explanations for situations or phenomena. This process often involves the use of analogies in developing possible explanations, also known as hypotheses.

The process of incorporating observations about a situation or phenomenon into a framework of prior knowledge, allowing one to propose possible explanations for it. This type of reasoning is necessary for the formulation of hypotheses using the scientific method.

Area measurement (square measure) used primarily in the United States. One (1) acre is equal to 43,560 square feet, 4,046.86 square meters, or 0.4047 hectares.

One (1) acre equals 43,560 square feet.
One (1) acre equals 0.4047 hectares.
One (1) acre equals 10 square chains.
One (1) acre equals 160 square rods.
One (1) acre equals 160 square poles.
One (1) acre equals 160 square perches.
One (1) acre equals 4,840 square yards.
One (1) acre equals 4,046.856 square meters.
One (1) acre equals 0.0016 square miles.
One (1) acre equals 0.0016 sections.
One (1) acre equals 0.004 square kilometers.
One (1) acre equals 0.0000434 townships.
One (1) acre equals 1.183676 arpents.
One (1) acre equals 4.0 roods.

The direction in which a slope faces, usually recorded as a bearing or azimuth.

The trunk of a tree.

The final step in the scientific method. After the experiment is conducted, the expected result is compared to the observed result, and a determination is made that the research hypothesis is either valid or invalid. If deemed invalid, a new or alternate hypothesis must be developed, and the scientific research process (scientific method) starts anew.

Definition: A structure acting as a barrier to hold back water, usually erected as a bank or wall across a free-flowing watercourse such as a stream or river. Dams may be constructed of earth, rocks, logs, or anything else that will create a reservoir; large modern dams are usually constructed almost wholly of concrete reinforced with steel. The purposes of dams include flood control, irrigation, navigation, recreation, and the generation of hydroelectric power. Nearly every major river in the world has at least one dam. Some of the drawbacks of dams include degraded habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife; reductions in water quality; reduced streamflows; and interruption of the natural sediment deposition cycle.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Agriculture, Biology, Conservation and Sustainability, Construction and Building, Ecology, Forestry and Silviculture, Geography, Hydrology, Management, Science, Water

1. The process of moving from general evidence, principles, or nonobservable explanations to specific observable actions, consequences, or conclusions. 2. In the scientific method, deductive reasoning is used to determine the specific observations, measurements, or other data that will either support or contradict the research hypothesis.

1. The process of moving from general evidence, principles, or nonobservable explanations to specific observable actions, consequences, or conclusions. 2. In the scientific method, deductive reasoning is used to determine the specific observations, measurements, or other data that will either support or contradict the research hypothesis.

Diameter of a tree bole measured at a height of 4.5 feet. Usually recorded in inches (in) or centimeters (cm).

1. Variation in the physical characteristics of ecosystems across a landscape caused by variation in soil, slope, aspect, elevation, climate, and geology, and the accompanying variation in biotic communities. Also known as ecological or biological diversity.

1. The anticipated outcome of a scientific experiment according to the research hypothesis. 2. In the scientific method, the expected result is the outcome of the experiment if the research hypothesis is true.

The process used to test research hypotheses in the scientific method. In order to be useful in scientific inquiry, an experiment should be objective, with reliable and verifiable data. In addition, the results of the experiment must be reproducible by other scientists.

The locality in which an organism lives; the physical environment that will support a plant or animal in the absence of disturbance.

The area that immediately underlies a riverbed, varying in depth depending on geologic structure, composition, and the size of the river bottom. Organisms can be quite plentiful in this zone, at times even more abundant than those inhabiting the river bottom itself, with oxygen being the limiting factor.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Biology, Ecology, Geology, Hydrology, Science, Water

An explanation for natural or other phenomena, developed using abductive reasoning following observation (the scientific method). The hypothesis is tested through the use of designed experiments, and shown to be either valid or invalid. If the original research hypothesis is deemed invalid, a new hypothesis must be developed, often based on further ovservation as well as the results from the previous experiment(s).

The first step in the scientific method, observation is the act of examining, inspecting, or scrutinizing natural or other phenomena in such a manner that leads to the use of abductive reasoning to explain them.

The actual outcome of a designed experiment using the scientific method. This outcome is compared to the expected outcome as described in the research hypothesis, and a conclusion is made that the experimental data either supports or contradicts the hypothesis.

Occurring regularly or semi-regularly in time, as a periodic tenancy, periodic rent, periodic portfolio review, etc.

1. A unit of length or area equal to one linear rod or one square rod, commonly used in land surveys. The terms, rod, pole, and perch are equivalent and may be used interchangeably, although "rod" is the most common. One (1) pole is equal to 25 links, 16.5 feet, or 1/4 (0.25) chain. For conversions and examples, see Rod, pole, or perch equivalents and conversions and the various Converting rods, poles, or perches to... entries.
2. A roundwood product used primarily for structural support. Tree species used for poles are selected for resistance to weather, wear, and mechanical stress and include lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and a variety of southern pines.
3. Term applied to trees that have too small a diameter to be considered sawlogs, but are useful as structural supports, flagpoles, etc.
4. The end of an axis, as in poles of the earth or of cellular mitotic spindles in plants and animals.
5. Either of two opposing parts, forces, or situations, as in magnets, batteries, or opinions.

Definition:
1. (n.) A body of still or standing water smaller than a lake, often artificially created.
2. (v.) To collect by aggregation, as in the ponding of water in low-lying areas.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Agriculture, Biology, Ecology, Geography, Hydrology, Science, Water

A pattern of regular or semi-regular occurrences or processes that characterizes and governs a natural system, as in precipitation regime, fire regime, disturbance regime, etc.

Definition:
1. Biology, Ecology, Forestry: A species of plant or animal existing in geographic or temporal isolation; plants or animals that exist in local areas smaller than their historic ranges, either from an earlier time period or as some of the last remaining examples of nearly extinct species.
2. Restoration: Isolated areas of ecosystems that have not been impacted by human activities and are still subject to a historic and natural disturbance regime.
3. Geology: Minerals, rocks, or other geologic structures or features that remain after the exterior material that previously covered or surrounded them is no longer there, as through erosion or chemical reaction.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Biology, Botany, Conservation and Sustainability, Ecology, Forestry and Silviculture, Geology, Management, Restoration, Science and Research

Definition:
1. Finance: Cash or other liquid assets held back by a business to cover both anticipated and unforeseen costs and expenses.
2. Biology, Conservation, Forestry: Land that has been saved or set aside in order to preserve its natural qualities, structure, function, or composition; land where development is prohibited or only limited development may occur. Example: Forest reserve, Bio-reserve, Wildlife reserve, Watershed reserve, etc.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Biology, Conservation and Sustainability, Ecology, Finance and Investment, Forestry, Geography, Hydrology, Management, Real Estate, Restoration, Science and Research, Water, Wildlife