Ecosystem Vocabulary

noun a small marine crustacean with a shell that attaches itself to rocks, ship bottoms, and other objects

• Barnacles are small marine crustaceans that attach themselves to hard surfaces such as rocks or the hulls of ships.
• I found a bunch of barnacles stuck to the bottom of the boat.
• That old car is covered in barnacles, it's definitely seen better days.
• The barnacles of bureaucracy were slowing down the progress of the project.

noun The animal life of a particular region, habitat, or geological period

• The national park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including rare bird species.
• I love going on hikes to spot all the different kinds of fauna in the forest.
• Check out all the cool fauna at the zoo, dude!
• The bustling city streets are a jungle of urban fauna, with all kinds of characters roaming around.

adjective describing a place covered with trees or forests

• The forested area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.
• I love going for hikes in the forested areas near my house.
• Let's go chill in the forested spot by the river.
• Her mind was like a forested maze, filled with hidden thoughts and emotions.

noun a person who habitually depends on others for support or favors; a freeloader

• The sponger was always looking for ways to avoid paying for anything.
• Don't be a sponger and chip in for the pizza.
• He's such a sponger, always mooching off others.
• The corporation was seen as a sponger, taking advantage of tax loopholes.