Biological Diversity

(Also called biodiversity) - The diversity of life, often divided into three levels: genetic (diversity within species), species (diversity among species), and ecosystem (diversity among ecosystems).

Glossary of Terms

Habitat

The physical space where an organism, population or species lives. Habitats are usually categorized by particular physical or biological characteristics (e.g., coral reefs, mangrove forests).

Inshore (zone)

In beach terminology, the zone of variable width extending from the low water line through the breaker zone.

Runup, rundown

The upper and lower levels reached by a wave on a beach or coastal structure, relative to still-water level.

Mean Low Water (MLW)

The average height of the low water over a 19-year period. For shorter periods of observations, corrections are applied to eliminate known variations and reduce the results to the equivalent of a mean 19-year value. All low water heights are included in the average where the type of tide is either semi-diurnal or mixed.

Turbidity

A condition of a liquid due to fine visible material in suspension, which may not be of sufficient size to be seen as individual particles by the naked eye but which prevents the passage of light through the liquid.

Stakeholders

Individuals, groups of individuals and non-governmental and government entities that have either a direct or indirect interest or claim which will, or may, be affected by a particular decision or policy.

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Biological Diversity