Grade 2 Read-Aloud

Cycles in Nature:Supplemental Guide 5 | The Life Cycle of a Tree 89

Core Vocabulary

decomposers, n. Living things that help turn dead plants and animals into

smaller parts that will eventually become part of the soil

Example: Worms are common decomposers, helping to make the soil

rich in nutrients.

Variation(s): decomposer

dependent, adj. Needing something or someone else’s support

Example: Children are dependent on their parents.

Variation(s): none

fl exible, adj. Able to bend and move easily

Example: We can touch our toes to see how fl exible we are.

Variation(s): none

germination, n. Growing or sprouting of a seed

Example: We saw the germination of the pea seed in a clear, plastic

cup.

Variation(s): none

mature, adj. Fully grown; adult

Example: Mature apple trees produce apples we can pick in the fall.

Variation(s): maturer, maturest