Kids Glossary
A group of non-breeding males of the same species that forms its own herd away from the main herd that contains the females.
The column of bones (spine) in the back of many animals. It supports the body. An animal with a backbone is called a vertebrate.
Very tiny plants. Bacteria are so small that they can only be seen through a microscope. Some kinds of bacteria cause disease. Others do useful things, like making soil richer.
The hard mouthpart of a bird and some other animals. The beak can also be called a <i>bill.</i>
In biology, an organism's activity in response to its environment. The study of animal behavior is called ethology.
Two-eyed vision that allows animals to judge distance.
An item that can readily decompose, or break down, by natural biological processes.
Having many different life forms within a given area.
Someone who studies life and living things.
The study of life and living things. Biology deals with how plants and animals live and grow, how they are made, and where they are found.
The portion of the Earth in which living systems occur.
Literally, moving on two feet. Usually refers to walking or running on the hind legs.
An animal that has wings and is covered with feathers. Birds have a backbone, are warm-blooded, produce young from eggs, and walk on their two legs. Most can fly.
A bird that hunts and eats meat; also known as a raptor. Birds of prey use their talons to catch their food and their strong, curved beaks for tearing food into bite-sized pieces. Falcons, hawks, eagles, and owls are birds of prey.
The beginning of an animal's life.
The early stage in the development of the mammalian embryo (often the point at which development is arrested in delayed implantation).
A long, narrow pipe through which darts or pellets may be blown.
A thick layer of fat that whales, sea lions, polar bears, and other marine mammals have. Blubber helps to keep the animal warm.
The gestures, movements, and mannerisms by which both humans and many animals communicate with others.
The study of plants./One who studies plants.
To move by swinging arms from one hold to another. Monkeys use brachiation to move from branch to branch.
Verb-To eat shoots, twigs, and leaves of trees and shrubs. A giraffe uses its long tongue to browse on leaves high up in trees. Noun-Leafy plant material animals eat.
Noun-A hole in the ground made by certain animals, like rabbits. Verb-To dig a hole in the ground.
Wild animals that are killed by people for food.
