a new epoch, not formally accepted by geologists, during which our species has become the dominant force for change in the biosphere

The Anthropocene marks the end of the Holocene epoch, about the time of the Industrial Revolution, 200 years ago.

the variety of life forms in a habitat, whether that habitat is a local environment or an entire planet

Climate change threatens the current biodiversity that exists on our planet.

the act of taming an animal, especially to be kept as a pet or used for work on a farm or ranch

The farmer's domestication of sheep with soft wool was the result of breeding sheep with those traits.

The release of substances, such as gases, particles, or radiation, into the air, water, or soil.

The countries with the highest CO₂ emissions per person are wealthy countries—like Canada and Australia—or oil-producers like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

a subdivision of a geologic period

The first animals in the horse family appeared during the Eocene Epoch.

Referring to the use of a nuclear reaction (either splitting or joining atoms together) to create large amounts of energy

The treat of nuclear war terrified people across the world during the 1960s.

the emission of particles or waves of energy, as by radioactive material or by electrical circuits or devices

Many people are concerned about toxic radiation from nuclear waste.