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family A taxonomic group consisting of at least one genus of organisms.
bromeliad Any of various tropical and subtropical plants of the family Bromeliaceae. They are found mainly in the Americas and usually have long, stiff leaves and colorful flowers. Many species of bromeliad grow on trees as epiphytes.
epiphyte A plant that grows on another plant and depends on it for support but not for food.
pollutant A substance that taints something — such as the air, water, our bodies or products. Some pollutants are chemicals, such as pesticides. Others may be radiation, including excess heat or light. Even weeds and other invasive species can be considered a type of biological pollution.
STEM An acronym (abbreviation made using the first letters of a term) for science, technology, engineering and math.
tropics The region near Earth’s equator. Temperatures here are generally warm to hot, year-round.
