Kids Glossary

Trees that lose their leaves each year.

An organism (including bacteria, fungi, and some insects) that breaks down nonliving plants and animals into nutrients used by plants.

The process of destroying forest habitat(s).

The home or dwelling of an animal, usually in the ground, a tree hollow, or a cave.

An area with little rain and often with hot daytime temperatures.

Loose skin on the lower neck of animals such as eland, rabbits, and iguanas.

The food an animal eats.

Walking on the toes, or digits (such as elephants and rhinos).

The differences in form, color, or structure between animals (or plants) of the same species.

To scatter or spread widely, as in dispersing seeds.

The particular way an animal's pattern of color and shading is arranged so that its size and shape appear to be different than its actual size and shape. See also <i>cryptic coloration.</i>

Awake and active during the day, asleep at night.

Describing an animal kept by people as a pet, for work, or other reasons. Sheep and goats found on farms are domestic, those found in the wild are not.

Having the most influence, usually in herd, group, or pack animals.

Referring to features on the back or along the spine of the animal.

Removing newly-laid egg(s) from a nest, sometimes causing the female to lay replacement eggs.

Soft feathers that provide insulation for birds.

The dung, or fecal matter, of animals.

An extended time when little or no rain falls, causing a water shortage for plants and animals.