Located in Solomon Sea, Pacific Ocean, part of Melanesia archipel. Total area of 213.9 km² with 109.5 km coastline. Maximum elevation of 163 meters, mean elevation 60 meters
Environment refers to circumstances surrounding one or something. Word derives from Middle French "environ" meaning "around". First known use in 1725
Zoos originated in ancient China with collections of animals for display. Modern zoos educate public about animals and conservation efforts. Over 1,000 zoos exist worldwide, with US having most (over 200)
Ephemerality describes things existing only briefly, from digital media to streams. Ephemeral streams exist only after precipitation, with low hydrological connectivity. Ephemeral wetlands and ecosystems are common globally, especially in northeastern US. Ephemeral habitats support amphibians during dry seasons and breeding
Rainforests receive between 50 and 260 inches of rain annually. Most rainforests are located near the equator. Some rainforests are on tropical mountain slopes called cloud forests
Geography was coined by Greek scholar Eratosthenes in 3rd century BCE. Mesopotamians created earliest known world map in 6th century BCE. Polynesian navigators used stick charts 3000 years ago. Islamic scholars developed grid-based map system in Middle Ages. Chinese navigators first used compass around 1000 CE