Herbivores
An organism that feeds on vegetation.

Bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms that lack chlorophyll. Many bacteria break down organic matter in the air, water, and soil. Some bacteria are capable of causing diseases in humans, other animals, and plants.

Leaf litter
Dead plant material, such as bark, leaves, and twigs, that has fallen to the ground.

Carbohydrates
Sugars, starches, and celluloses that are produced by green plants and that are important nutritional sources of energy for many animals.

Mammal
A type of animal that has hair or fur covering its body and that produces milk for its young.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
A naturally occurring gas that is also a by-product of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and biomass. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

Native species
A species that occurs naturally in an area or habitat.

Carnivores
An animal that consumes other animals.

Nutrients
Substances required for growth and development.

Carbon sink
An environment, such as a forest or the ocean, that absorbs and stores more carbon than it releases over some period of time, which helps to offset greenhouse gas emissions.