(av (ǝ) rij): A value that is computed by dividing the sum of a set of terms by the number of terms.

(kē): A low island or reef of sand or coral.

(kǝn sǝrv): To avoid wasteful or destructive use of something.

(in dān jǝrd spē sēz): A plant or animals with so few individual survivors that the species could become extinct in the area where it naturally lives.

(ik stiŋk shən): The state of no longer existing.

(fe d(ə-)rəl spē sēz əv kən sərn): Species which might need special help. Species of concern do not receive legal protection.

(ha bә tat): The place or environment where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows.

(rēf): A chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of the water.

(spe shə līzd): Designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation.

(spē sēz or spē shēz): A category of living things that ranks below a genus, is made up of related individuals able to produce fertile offspring, and is identified by a two-part scientific name.

(tak sə nä mik): Having to do with the orderly classification of living things according to their presumed natural relationships.

(vərt ə brət or vərt ə brāt): Any of a large group of animals (such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes) that typically have a bony or cartilaginous backbone which replaces the notochord, a distinct head containing a brain which arises as an enlarged part of the nerve cord, and an internal usually bony skeleton and including some primitive forms (such as lampreys) in which the backbone is absent and the notochord persists throughout life.

(vəl n(ə-) rə bi lə tē): The state of being vulnerable.

(vəl n(ə-) rə bi lə tē in deks): A system for generating a number that indicates how vulnerable something is to something harmful. In this study (“Wild Ways”), scientists collected data about each species and then answered questions about how each species could be affected by climate change. The scientists then were able to calculate numbers, called scores. Higher scores indicated higher predicted vulnerability.

(vəl n(ə-)rə bəl): Open to attack or damage.