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 ten (10) square chains. One (1) acre equals 160 square rods, poles, or perches. One (1) acre equals 4,840 square yards. One (1) acre equals 4,046.856 square meters. One (1) acre equals 0.4047 hectares. One (1) acre equals 0.0016 square miles or 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.

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 historic natural or man-made fire patterns in a given area; the frequency, intensity, severity, and distribution of historic fires, especially wildfires.

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

Different or dissimilar in structure, function, composition, quality, or origin.

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 activities, operations, or purposes that are employed in a particualr geographic area; the specific manner in which a parcel or tract of land is utilized. Land use is usually regulated by municipal governments through zoning ordinances, although some land uses are regulated by state or federal governments.

Species of trees that are commercially valuable as timber. Examples include Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), and eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides).

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.

Certain portions of the landscape which have not been built upon and which are sought either to be conserved in their natural states or used for agricultural or recreational purposes (such as parks, squares, and the like).

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.

Refers to the era prior to European settlement of North America, especially to the period before industrialization made it possible for these settlers to induce unprecedented ecosystem changes.

A point in history that is considered to be representative of the natural conditions of an ecosystem. This point, which may be in the past or present, is chosen such that it is within the historic or natural range of variability for a particular area.