The galvanic series is a list that ranks metals and alloys based on their electrochemical activity in a specific environment, usually seawater. It helps predict how different materials will corrode when in contact with each other, guiding engineers in selecting compatible materials for construction and manufacturing. In the series, more active metals, like zinc, are placed at the top, while noble metals, such as gold and platinum, are at the bottom. This ranking is crucial for preventing galvanic corrosion, which occurs when two dissimilar metals are electrically connected in a corrosive environment, leading to accelerated deterioration of the less noble metal.