Kids Glossary

The larva stage of frogs and toads, which is characterized by gills and a tail for life in the water.

A type of nut used as an ivory substitute.

The claws of a bird of prey.

The science of the classification of organisms. Common names of plants and animals can vary widely, but their scientific (taxonomic) names are accepted worldwide. For example, the puma (or mountain lion) has more than 40 common names, but only one scientific name, Felis concolor, which identifies the animal anyplace in the world. A taxonomist is one who studies taxonomy.

Belonging to or living on the ground.

The defended part of an animal's home range./A territorial animal is one that defends its territory against intruders.

A government term denoting a species that seems likely to become endangered in the near future.

A long period of rest or inactivity.

Something that contains a poisonous substance or toxin./A poisonous substance produced by an animal.

To move an animal from one place to another.

Animal offspring that hide in a secure place while their mothers search for food. Mom <i>tucks</i> them into the hiding place, as opposed to keeping the offspring with her all the time (see <i>runner babies</i>). Many gazelles are tucker babies.

In arctic or subarctic regions, a flat or gently sloping plain that features low-lying plants and bushes, but no trees. Underneath the topsoil, the ground is often frozen.

A cold-blooded animal with a low, wide body covered by a shell. Some turtles live only in water, some live both on land and in water. Turtles that live only on land are called tortoises.

Long incisor teeth that grow outside the mouths of such animals as the elephant and walrus.