Zoology is the study of the biology of animals. It contains a various types of subcategories...
Entomology - insects
Ethology - behaviour
Herpetology - reptiles and amphibians
Ichthyology - fish
Primatology - primates
Mammalogy - mammals
Ornithology - birds
Paleozoology - prehistoric animals
Planktology - plankton
Apiology - bees
Arachnology - arachnids
Conchology - mollusk shells
Malacology - mollusks
Ophiology - snakes
Cetology - cetaceans (whales & dolphins)
Neuroethology - nervous system
Anthrozoology - human interaction
Nematology - roundworms
Paleontology - prehistoric life
Protozoology - protozoa
Archaeozoology - archaeological animal remains
Embryology - development of fertilized eggs
Cytology - cells
Zoogeography - distrubition of animal species
Biochemistry - chemical processes in living things
Parasitology - parasites and their hosts
Pathology - pathogens and their hosts
Zoology glossary ~ Z
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Zooid
A term that refers to a single individual animal in a colony of invertebrates. Multiple zooids are often attached to each other. A group of zooids may function as a single animal.
Zooplankton
A group or collection of various species of plankton.
Zooxanthellae
Unicellular yellow-brown algae that live in the gastrodermis of reef-building corals.
Zygodactyly
In birds, refers to the arrangement of the toes in which the outer front toe faces back and as a result, two toes point forward and two backward.
Zygote
An egg that has been fertilized.
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Zooid
A term that refers to a single individual animal in a colony of invertebrates. Multiple zooids are often attached to each other. A group of zooids may function as a single animal.
Zooplankton
A group or collection of various species of plankton.
Zooxanthellae
Unicellular yellow-brown algae that live in the gastrodermis of reef-building corals.
Zygodactyly
In birds, refers to the arrangement of the toes in which the outer front toe faces back and as a result, two toes point forward and two backward.
Zygote
An egg that has been fertilized.
Zoology glossary ~ Y
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Yearling
A horse, either male or female, between one year and two years in age.
Yolk
Stored food material in an egg.
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Yearling
A horse, either male or female, between one year and two years in age.
Yolk
Stored food material in an egg.
Zoology glossary ~ X
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Xenophobic Alliance
A union or coalition of individual chimpanzees within a group that challenges any conspecific intruders that threaten or encroach upon their territory and its boundaries.
Xeric
A term used to describe a habitat or environment that exhibits extremely dry conditions. Also used to describe organisms that are adapted to very dry conditions.
Xerophyte
A type of plant that is well-adapted to water shortages and exhibits adaptations that enable it to store or conserve water.
Xylophagous
A term used to describe animals that feed primarily or entirely on wood.
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Xenophobic Alliance
A union or coalition of individual chimpanzees within a group that challenges any conspecific intruders that threaten or encroach upon their territory and its boundaries.
Xeric
A term used to describe a habitat or environment that exhibits extremely dry conditions. Also used to describe organisms that are adapted to very dry conditions.
Xerophyte
A type of plant that is well-adapted to water shortages and exhibits adaptations that enable it to store or conserve water.
Xylophagous
A term used to describe animals that feed primarily or entirely on wood.
Zoology glossary ~ W
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Warning Coloration
"A combination of contrasting colors that warns that an animal is dangerous. Bands of black and yellow are a typical form of warning coloration, found in stinging insects."
WatchList
"A conservation program identifying species that are declining or have limited ranges but are not yet threatened or endangered. The WatchList is a cooperative project of the National Audubon Society and Partners in Flight."
Water Vascular System
"In echinoderms, a system of fluid-filled tubes and chambers that connects with the tube feet. The fluid in the water vascular system is under pressure, giving the tube feet their shape."
Wattle
"An unfeathered flap or growth of skin on the face or neck that hangs down below the head; often brightly colored or wrinkled. Found especially on turkeys, jacanas, and some plovers."
Weaning
"In mammals, the period when the mother gradually ceases to provide milk for her young."
Weanling
A horse, either male or female, between six months and one year in age.
Wing-Bar
"A light-colored bar on a wing, formed by pale tips on the covert feathers or pale bases of the flight feathers."
Wing-Flicking
"A rapid movement of the wings of a bird otherwise at rest; seen, for example, in some kinglets and Empidonax flycatchers. Such movements along with pumping of the tail, are sometimes described as 'nervous' habits."
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Warning Coloration
"A combination of contrasting colors that warns that an animal is dangerous. Bands of black and yellow are a typical form of warning coloration, found in stinging insects."
WatchList
"A conservation program identifying species that are declining or have limited ranges but are not yet threatened or endangered. The WatchList is a cooperative project of the National Audubon Society and Partners in Flight."
Water Vascular System
"In echinoderms, a system of fluid-filled tubes and chambers that connects with the tube feet. The fluid in the water vascular system is under pressure, giving the tube feet their shape."
Wattle
"An unfeathered flap or growth of skin on the face or neck that hangs down below the head; often brightly colored or wrinkled. Found especially on turkeys, jacanas, and some plovers."
Weaning
"In mammals, the period when the mother gradually ceases to provide milk for her young."
Weanling
A horse, either male or female, between six months and one year in age.
Wing-Bar
"A light-colored bar on a wing, formed by pale tips on the covert feathers or pale bases of the flight feathers."
Wing-Flicking
"A rapid movement of the wings of a bird otherwise at rest; seen, for example, in some kinglets and Empidonax flycatchers. Such movements along with pumping of the tail, are sometimes described as 'nervous' habits."
Zoology glossary ~ V
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Vagrant
An individual bird that is observed in a region that lies outside of the range that is currently known for that species.
Vane
The flat portion of the feather made up of parallel rows of barbs that are attached to the rachis, or central shaft, of the feather.
Vena Cava
One of the two large veins that return blood to the heart from the systemic circulation of vertebrates.
Ventral Scale
Scale on the underside of a snake's body (usually broader than other scales).
Ventral
Pertaining to the belly or underparts.
Vertebral
Along the center of the back.
Vertebrata
A subphylum of chordates. Members of this subphylum have cartilaginous or bony vertebrae that surround a nerve cord and a skull that protects the brain.
Vestigal
Pertaining to the part of an animal that is in the process of being lost in the course of evolution and is small, imperfectly formed, and serves little or no function.
Viscera
The internal organs, especially those of the great central body cavity.
Vocal Sac
Soft, baglike structure that inflates and acts as a resonator, amplifying the mating calls of some male frogs and toads.
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Vagrant
An individual bird that is observed in a region that lies outside of the range that is currently known for that species.
Vane
The flat portion of the feather made up of parallel rows of barbs that are attached to the rachis, or central shaft, of the feather.
Vena Cava
One of the two large veins that return blood to the heart from the systemic circulation of vertebrates.
Ventral Scale
Scale on the underside of a snake's body (usually broader than other scales).
Ventral
Pertaining to the belly or underparts.
Vertebral
Along the center of the back.
Vertebrata
A subphylum of chordates. Members of this subphylum have cartilaginous or bony vertebrae that surround a nerve cord and a skull that protects the brain.
Vestigal
Pertaining to the part of an animal that is in the process of being lost in the course of evolution and is small, imperfectly formed, and serves little or no function.
Viscera
The internal organs, especially those of the great central body cavity.
Vocal Sac
Soft, baglike structure that inflates and acts as a resonator, amplifying the mating calls of some male frogs and toads.
Zoology glossary ~ U
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Upland
"Pertaining to areas away from coastlines and the floodplains of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water."
Upwelling
"Oceanic areas where deep waters rich in nutrients rise to the surface because of the shape of the ocean bottom, the presence of continental land masses, or contact between water currents."
Urohydrosis
"The habit of releasing feces onto the scaly portions of the leg as a cooling mechanism, using evaporative cooling of the fluids. Found in storks and New World vultures."
Uropygial Gland
"The source of the oil that a preening bird rubs on its feathers to maintain them in good condition; located on the lower back near the rump."
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Upland
"Pertaining to areas away from coastlines and the floodplains of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water."
Upwelling
"Oceanic areas where deep waters rich in nutrients rise to the surface because of the shape of the ocean bottom, the presence of continental land masses, or contact between water currents."
Urohydrosis
"The habit of releasing feces onto the scaly portions of the leg as a cooling mechanism, using evaporative cooling of the fluids. Found in storks and New World vultures."
Uropygial Gland
"The source of the oil that a preening bird rubs on its feathers to maintain them in good condition; located on the lower back near the rump."
Zoology glossary ~ T
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Tentacle
When used in a zoological context, the term tentacle refers to a slender, elongated, flexible organ that grows near the mouth of an animal. Tentacles are most common in invertebrates, although they are present in some vertebrates as well. Tentacles serve a variety of functions and can can help the animal to move, feed, grasp objects, and gather sensory information.
Taiga
"Ecological zone south of the tundra and north of the temperate zone, dominated by conifer trees and harsh winters."
Tail Slapping
Dolphins can be seen slapping their tails forcibly on the surface of the water.
Tarsus
"The lower leg. The major bone in this region of the leg is the tarsometatarsus, which is a fusion of structures called ankle and foot bones in mammals. The avian equivalent of the mammalian lower leg bones (the tibia and fibula) is found in the 'drumstick' or what appears to be the upper leg in most birds."
Taxon
"A unit used in grouping and naming living organisms; a general term that can refer to any level of a taxonomic classification."
Taxonomic Classification
"Hierarchical system for grouping and naming types of living organisms."
Taxonomy
The classification of organisms on the basis of their evolutionary relationships.
Territory
A particular area defended by an individual against intrusion by other individuals, particularly of the same species.
Thorax
In mammals, the part of the trunk anterior to the diaphragm, which partitions it from the abdomen. In insects, the body region between the head and the abdomen, bearing the walking legs and wings.
Threatened Species
A threatened species is a native species that is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future.
Tonian Period
Tonian Period
Torsion
A twisting process that gastropods undergo during their development in which the position of their visceral and pallial organs are repositioned by 180°. The resulting arrangement of body parts in the gastropod is therefore assymmetrical.
Trachea
In vertebrates, the part of the respiratory system running from the pharynx into the thorax; the 'windpipe'. In land arthropods, an air duct running from an opening in the body wall to the tissues.
Triangulation
"A technique fdor finding a position, often of prey, by means of taking bearings from two or more fixed points. Some species (somne owls, harriers) have asymmetrical ear openings that improve triangulation using sound."
Tribe
"A taxon that is a subset of a subfamily and that contains one or more genera."
Tubenoses
"Colloquial name for members of the order Procellariiformes, which includes the albatrosses, the shearwaters and petrels, and the storm petrals." (
Tuberculate
Covered in raised, fleshy protuberances.
Turtle
Freshwater or marine chelonian.
Tympanic Membrane
A membrane of the ear that picks up vibrations from the air and transmits them to other parts of the ear; the eardrum.
Type Specimen
A single individual organism that is selected to represent the standard for a particular taxon and which serves as the standard for the original name and description of the species.
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Tentacle
When used in a zoological context, the term tentacle refers to a slender, elongated, flexible organ that grows near the mouth of an animal. Tentacles are most common in invertebrates, although they are present in some vertebrates as well. Tentacles serve a variety of functions and can can help the animal to move, feed, grasp objects, and gather sensory information.
Taiga
"Ecological zone south of the tundra and north of the temperate zone, dominated by conifer trees and harsh winters."
Tail Slapping
Dolphins can be seen slapping their tails forcibly on the surface of the water.
Tarsus
"The lower leg. The major bone in this region of the leg is the tarsometatarsus, which is a fusion of structures called ankle and foot bones in mammals. The avian equivalent of the mammalian lower leg bones (the tibia and fibula) is found in the 'drumstick' or what appears to be the upper leg in most birds."
Taxon
"A unit used in grouping and naming living organisms; a general term that can refer to any level of a taxonomic classification."
Taxonomic Classification
"Hierarchical system for grouping and naming types of living organisms."
Taxonomy
The classification of organisms on the basis of their evolutionary relationships.
Territory
A particular area defended by an individual against intrusion by other individuals, particularly of the same species.
Thorax
In mammals, the part of the trunk anterior to the diaphragm, which partitions it from the abdomen. In insects, the body region between the head and the abdomen, bearing the walking legs and wings.
Threatened Species
A threatened species is a native species that is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future.
Tonian Period
Tonian Period
Torsion
A twisting process that gastropods undergo during their development in which the position of their visceral and pallial organs are repositioned by 180°. The resulting arrangement of body parts in the gastropod is therefore assymmetrical.
Trachea
In vertebrates, the part of the respiratory system running from the pharynx into the thorax; the 'windpipe'. In land arthropods, an air duct running from an opening in the body wall to the tissues.
Triangulation
"A technique fdor finding a position, often of prey, by means of taking bearings from two or more fixed points. Some species (somne owls, harriers) have asymmetrical ear openings that improve triangulation using sound."
Tribe
"A taxon that is a subset of a subfamily and that contains one or more genera."
Tubenoses
"Colloquial name for members of the order Procellariiformes, which includes the albatrosses, the shearwaters and petrels, and the storm petrals." (
Tuberculate
Covered in raised, fleshy protuberances.
Turtle
Freshwater or marine chelonian.
Tympanic Membrane
A membrane of the ear that picks up vibrations from the air and transmits them to other parts of the ear; the eardrum.
Type Specimen
A single individual organism that is selected to represent the standard for a particular taxon and which serves as the standard for the original name and description of the species.
Zoology glossary ~ S
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Salamander
Typically terrestrial amphibian with a long body and tail and short limbs.
Salt Flats
"Barren areas with highly saline and alkaline soils, formed throught he concentration of mineral residues in salt water."
Saprophagous
Feeding on dead and decaying matter.
Saw-Scaling
Action of a snake curving its body in concentric curves and rasping its keeled scales together to make a sawing sound as a warning.
Scale
Soft, usually overlapping body covering in snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenians.
Scape
The first segment in an insect''s anteannae, nearest its head.
Scrape Nest
"A rudimentary ground nest site, usually with no lining, that a bird forms by creating a shallow depression in the ground."
Scute
Large, well-defined scale.
Secondary
"One of the shorter flight feathers of the wing, attached along the ulna in the inner wing."
Sedentary
"Nonmigratory; generally used for birds that do not move long distances in dispersal or other movements."
Sedges
"Grass-like plants, many in the genus Carex, that are often found in wetlands."
Semi-Precocial
"Describes young that have characteristics of precocial young at hatch."
Semiplumes
"Feathers that lie beneath the countour feathers and that, like down, lack interlocking barbules and barbicels."
Sexual Selection
"A type of natural selection affecting traits that influence an individual's ability to attain or choose a mate, rahter than traits that influence an individual's ability to survive."
Shaft
"A feather's stiff central structure, to which the vanes are attached."
Shell
Protective outer covering of a turtle or tortoise, comprising a carapace and a plastron.
Shorebirds
"Sandpipers, plovers, and their close relatives of similar size and ecology, often associated with coastal and inland wetlands."
Siblicide
"The death of young caused by fighting with siblings. Often occurs in larger birds (eagles, herons) in years when there is not enough food to feed all chicks."
Sink Population
"A breeding group that does not produce enough offspring to maintain itself in coming years without immigrants from other populations."
Social MonogomaySocial Monogamy
"The monogamous association between a male and a female that cooperate in producing a clutch of eggs and (often) raising the resulting young."
Song Repertoire
"The number of different individual songs produced by a single bird."
Songbird
"The common name for members of the order Passeriformes, also called the passerines."
Source Population
"A breeding group that produces enough offspring to be self-sustaining and that often produces excess young that must disperse to other areas."
Southern Ocean
"The continuous expanse of ocean between Antarctica and the southern tips of the other continents."
Species
The term species can be defined as a group of individual organisms that are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring in nature.
Spy Hopping
A form of cetacean behavior that consists of rising vertically out of the water, head first, and scanning the entire surrounding area while rotating.
Stallion
A male horse, more than four years old.
Stoop
"To dive in the air; used especially for falcons in courtship or when attacking prey."
Strandings
Whales or dolphins that are found stranded on beaches.
Stray
"An individual bird found in a region outside of its regular range."
Stromatolites
Stromatolites
Subelliptical
"Egg shape rounded at both ends but elongated and tapering toward the rounded ends, with the broadest point nearer one end than the other."
Subfamily
"A taxon that is a subset of a family and that contains one or more genera."
Suboscine
"One of two subdivisions of the order Passeriformes."
Subspecies
"A geographical subset of a species showing discrete differences in morphology or coloration compared to other members of the species."
Subtropical
"Habitats and climates that are tropical in nature but found north or south of the tropics."
Succession
"The sequence of plant communities that occur following disturbance and that culminate in a regiou's dominant habitat type."
Supercillium
"Eye-brow."
Supplemental Plumage
"A generation of feathers, additional to the basic and alternate plumages, found in a few birds that have more than two molts per year."
Synapomorphy
A new trait or structural feature that arises in an evolving lineage that is shared between two or more sister groups that illustrates their close relationship.
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Salamander
Typically terrestrial amphibian with a long body and tail and short limbs.
Salt Flats
"Barren areas with highly saline and alkaline soils, formed throught he concentration of mineral residues in salt water."
Saprophagous
Feeding on dead and decaying matter.
Saw-Scaling
Action of a snake curving its body in concentric curves and rasping its keeled scales together to make a sawing sound as a warning.
Scale
Soft, usually overlapping body covering in snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenians.
Scape
The first segment in an insect''s anteannae, nearest its head.
Scrape Nest
"A rudimentary ground nest site, usually with no lining, that a bird forms by creating a shallow depression in the ground."
Scute
Large, well-defined scale.
Secondary
"One of the shorter flight feathers of the wing, attached along the ulna in the inner wing."
Sedentary
"Nonmigratory; generally used for birds that do not move long distances in dispersal or other movements."
Sedges
"Grass-like plants, many in the genus Carex, that are often found in wetlands."
Semi-Precocial
"Describes young that have characteristics of precocial young at hatch."
Semiplumes
"Feathers that lie beneath the countour feathers and that, like down, lack interlocking barbules and barbicels."
Sexual Selection
"A type of natural selection affecting traits that influence an individual's ability to attain or choose a mate, rahter than traits that influence an individual's ability to survive."
Shaft
"A feather's stiff central structure, to which the vanes are attached."
Shell
Protective outer covering of a turtle or tortoise, comprising a carapace and a plastron.
Shorebirds
"Sandpipers, plovers, and their close relatives of similar size and ecology, often associated with coastal and inland wetlands."
Siblicide
"The death of young caused by fighting with siblings. Often occurs in larger birds (eagles, herons) in years when there is not enough food to feed all chicks."
Sink Population
"A breeding group that does not produce enough offspring to maintain itself in coming years without immigrants from other populations."
Social MonogomaySocial Monogamy
"The monogamous association between a male and a female that cooperate in producing a clutch of eggs and (often) raising the resulting young."
Song Repertoire
"The number of different individual songs produced by a single bird."
Songbird
"The common name for members of the order Passeriformes, also called the passerines."
Source Population
"A breeding group that produces enough offspring to be self-sustaining and that often produces excess young that must disperse to other areas."
Southern Ocean
"The continuous expanse of ocean between Antarctica and the southern tips of the other continents."
Species
The term species can be defined as a group of individual organisms that are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring in nature.
Spy Hopping
A form of cetacean behavior that consists of rising vertically out of the water, head first, and scanning the entire surrounding area while rotating.
Stallion
A male horse, more than four years old.
Stoop
"To dive in the air; used especially for falcons in courtship or when attacking prey."
Strandings
Whales or dolphins that are found stranded on beaches.
Stray
"An individual bird found in a region outside of its regular range."
Stromatolites
Stromatolites
Subelliptical
"Egg shape rounded at both ends but elongated and tapering toward the rounded ends, with the broadest point nearer one end than the other."
Subfamily
"A taxon that is a subset of a family and that contains one or more genera."
Suboscine
"One of two subdivisions of the order Passeriformes."
Subspecies
"A geographical subset of a species showing discrete differences in morphology or coloration compared to other members of the species."
Subtropical
"Habitats and climates that are tropical in nature but found north or south of the tropics."
Succession
"The sequence of plant communities that occur following disturbance and that culminate in a regiou's dominant habitat type."
Supercillium
"Eye-brow."
Supplemental Plumage
"A generation of feathers, additional to the basic and alternate plumages, found in a few birds that have more than two molts per year."
Synapomorphy
A new trait or structural feature that arises in an evolving lineage that is shared between two or more sister groups that illustrates their close relationship.
Zoology glossary ~ R
Zoology Glossary Index:
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Reindeer
Reindeer
Rachis
The rachis is the section of the central shaft of a feather to which the vanes are attached.
Radiation
"The evolution of several closely related species from a single ancestor, especially when the species evolve morphological differences that allow the coexistence or spread of the species to occupy many differnent habitats or ecological roles."
Radula
A rough, raspy tongue used to grate food, characteristic of most mollusks.
Range
"The geographic area or spatial distribution in which a species is normally found."
Rare
"Present in a given location but unlikely to be seen without considerable effort, usually because the species is found in small numbers or because (for nonresident species) it is present in only some years."
Rattle
Loosely interlocking remnants of shed skin, present on a rattlesnake's tail, that are vibrated to make a rattling sound to deter predators.
Rectrices
"The long flight feathers of the tail."
Reducing Atmosphere
Reducing Atmosphere
Remiges
"The long flight feathers of the winbs."
Reptilia
The class of vertebrates whose members have dry skin with scales and reproduce by amniotic eggs. This class includes snakes, lizards, and alligators.
Resident
"A nonmigratory species that completes its annual cycle within a fixed area."
Reticulated
Arranged in a network pattern.
Reverse Migration
"A phenomenon in which migrating individuals orient in the direction opposite the normal one for the species at that season."
Rictal Bristles
"Stiff, hair-like modified contour feathers that occur in a row and project from each side of the corners of the mouth (ritus)."
Riparian
"Associated with rivers and streams."
River Dolphins
A group of dolphins that live in the major rivers of the world, including the Amazon in Brazil, the Ganges in India, the Yangtze in China, and the Irrawady in Myanmar, to name a few.
Rostral Scale
Scale at the very tip of the snout on the upper jaw.
Rostrum
An anatomical structure that projects from the head of an animal, such as a snout.
Rounded
"The shrtest version of an elliptical egg shape; spherical."
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Reindeer
Reindeer
Rachis
The rachis is the section of the central shaft of a feather to which the vanes are attached.
Radiation
"The evolution of several closely related species from a single ancestor, especially when the species evolve morphological differences that allow the coexistence or spread of the species to occupy many differnent habitats or ecological roles."
Radula
A rough, raspy tongue used to grate food, characteristic of most mollusks.
Range
"The geographic area or spatial distribution in which a species is normally found."
Rare
"Present in a given location but unlikely to be seen without considerable effort, usually because the species is found in small numbers or because (for nonresident species) it is present in only some years."
Rattle
Loosely interlocking remnants of shed skin, present on a rattlesnake's tail, that are vibrated to make a rattling sound to deter predators.
Rectrices
"The long flight feathers of the tail."
Reducing Atmosphere
Reducing Atmosphere
Remiges
"The long flight feathers of the winbs."
Reptilia
The class of vertebrates whose members have dry skin with scales and reproduce by amniotic eggs. This class includes snakes, lizards, and alligators.
Resident
"A nonmigratory species that completes its annual cycle within a fixed area."
Reticulated
Arranged in a network pattern.
Reverse Migration
"A phenomenon in which migrating individuals orient in the direction opposite the normal one for the species at that season."
Rictal Bristles
"Stiff, hair-like modified contour feathers that occur in a row and project from each side of the corners of the mouth (ritus)."
Riparian
"Associated with rivers and streams."
River Dolphins
A group of dolphins that live in the major rivers of the world, including the Amazon in Brazil, the Ganges in India, the Yangtze in China, and the Irrawady in Myanmar, to name a few.
Rostral Scale
Scale at the very tip of the snout on the upper jaw.
Rostrum
An anatomical structure that projects from the head of an animal, such as a snout.
Rounded
"The shrtest version of an elliptical egg shape; spherical."
Zoology glossary ~ Q
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Zoology glossary ~ P
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Pleiotropy
The control of more than one phenotypic characteristic by a single gene or set of genes. Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene controls multiple phenotypic traits.
Polymorphism
Polymorphism occurs in a population of the same species when two or more different phenotypes exist.
Phenotype
The observable characteristics of an organism.
Palearctic
The biogeographic region that includes Europe, North Africa (north of the Sahara), northern Arabia.
Paleoarchean
Paleoarchean
Paleoproterozoic
Paleoproterozoic
Paleozoic Era
Paleozoic Era
Pantropical
"Occurring throughout the tropical regions of the world."
Partial Molt
"The replacement of feathers in only some of the body's feather tracts."
Passerine
"A member of the order Passeriniformes, often referred to as a songbird."
Patagium
A membrane of double-sided skin that forms the wing material in bats.
PCBs
"Polychlorinated biphenyls, a class of chemicals used as lubricants and insulation materials and in printing ink."
Pectinate
"Having tooth-like projections similar to the teeth of a comb."
Peep
"General name for several small sandpiper species in the genus Calidris."
Pelagic
"Associated with deep waters of the open ocean."
Pellet
"A mass of indigestible material including fur, feathers, and bones regurgitated by hawks, owls, herons, and other predatory birds."
Pentaradial Symmetry
A type of radial symmetry, characteristic of echinoderms, in which body parts are arranged along five rays of symmetry.
Periostracum
The outermost layer of a snail's shell. Consists of conchin (a mixture of organic compounds), gives the shell color.
Phanerozoic Eon
Phanerozoic Eon
Phylogeny
The evolutionary history or pattern of kinship relationships among various groups of organisms.
Pineal Eye
Third eye in the forehead of tuataras and many lizards that can register light intensity and may help to regulate body temperature.
Plankton
Plankton are microscopic organisms that drift on the oceans' currents. They include organisms such as diatoms, dinoflagillates, krill, and copepods as well as the microscopic larva of crustaceans, sea urchins, and fish.
Plastron
The shell or shield on the ventral surface (belly) of tortoises and turtles.
Precambrian
Precambrian
Predator
An organism that feeds on other organisms (prey).
Preen Gland
"The source of the oil that a preening bird rubs on its feathers to maintain them in good condition; located on the lower back near the rump."
Proboscis
Long snout or mouthparts.
Prokaryote
Prokaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles.
Proterozoic
Proterozoic
Pulmonate
Terrestrial snails belong to a group within the Order Stylommatophora called the 'pulmonates'.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Pleiotropy
The control of more than one phenotypic characteristic by a single gene or set of genes. Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene controls multiple phenotypic traits.
Polymorphism
Polymorphism occurs in a population of the same species when two or more different phenotypes exist.
Phenotype
The observable characteristics of an organism.
Palearctic
The biogeographic region that includes Europe, North Africa (north of the Sahara), northern Arabia.
Paleoarchean
Paleoarchean
Paleoproterozoic
Paleoproterozoic
Paleozoic Era
Paleozoic Era
Pantropical
"Occurring throughout the tropical regions of the world."
Partial Molt
"The replacement of feathers in only some of the body's feather tracts."
Passerine
"A member of the order Passeriniformes, often referred to as a songbird."
Patagium
A membrane of double-sided skin that forms the wing material in bats.
PCBs
"Polychlorinated biphenyls, a class of chemicals used as lubricants and insulation materials and in printing ink."
Pectinate
"Having tooth-like projections similar to the teeth of a comb."
Peep
"General name for several small sandpiper species in the genus Calidris."
Pelagic
"Associated with deep waters of the open ocean."
Pellet
"A mass of indigestible material including fur, feathers, and bones regurgitated by hawks, owls, herons, and other predatory birds."
Pentaradial Symmetry
A type of radial symmetry, characteristic of echinoderms, in which body parts are arranged along five rays of symmetry.
Periostracum
The outermost layer of a snail's shell. Consists of conchin (a mixture of organic compounds), gives the shell color.
Phanerozoic Eon
Phanerozoic Eon
Phylogeny
The evolutionary history or pattern of kinship relationships among various groups of organisms.
Pineal Eye
Third eye in the forehead of tuataras and many lizards that can register light intensity and may help to regulate body temperature.
Plankton
Plankton are microscopic organisms that drift on the oceans' currents. They include organisms such as diatoms, dinoflagillates, krill, and copepods as well as the microscopic larva of crustaceans, sea urchins, and fish.
Plastron
The shell or shield on the ventral surface (belly) of tortoises and turtles.
Precambrian
Precambrian
Predator
An organism that feeds on other organisms (prey).
Preen Gland
"The source of the oil that a preening bird rubs on its feathers to maintain them in good condition; located on the lower back near the rump."
Proboscis
Long snout or mouthparts.
Prokaryote
Prokaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles.
Proterozoic
Proterozoic
Pulmonate
Terrestrial snails belong to a group within the Order Stylommatophora called the 'pulmonates'.
Zoology glossary ~ O
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Obligate
"Required; also, exhibited by all members of a species without exception."
Old World
"The Eastern Hemisphere, including Africa, Eurasia, and Australia."
Ondontocetes
A taxonomic suborder of toothed whales; this suborder includes sperm whales, white whales, porpoises, dolphins, and river dolphins.
Orbital Ring
"A fleshy ring around the eye; contrastingly colored in some species."
Origin of the Universe
Origin of the Universe
Oscines
"One of two major subdivisions of the order Passeriformes. Oscines have a more complex syrinx and distinctive DNA patterns and middle ear bone shapes, and they generally must learn their most complex vocalizations."
Osteichthyes
The class of fishes characterized by a swim bladder, bony skeletal systems, and an operculum.
Ostracum
The middle, shell building layer, of a snail's shell. Consists of prism-shaped calcium carbonate crystals and organic (proteid) molecules.
Oval
"Egg shape that is rounded at the largest end and tapered at the oterh end. Often used to describe the typical egg shape."
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Obligate
"Required; also, exhibited by all members of a species without exception."
Old World
"The Eastern Hemisphere, including Africa, Eurasia, and Australia."
Ondontocetes
A taxonomic suborder of toothed whales; this suborder includes sperm whales, white whales, porpoises, dolphins, and river dolphins.
Orbital Ring
"A fleshy ring around the eye; contrastingly colored in some species."
Origin of the Universe
Origin of the Universe
Oscines
"One of two major subdivisions of the order Passeriformes. Oscines have a more complex syrinx and distinctive DNA patterns and middle ear bone shapes, and they generally must learn their most complex vocalizations."
Osteichthyes
The class of fishes characterized by a swim bladder, bony skeletal systems, and an operculum.
Ostracum
The middle, shell building layer, of a snail's shell. Consists of prism-shaped calcium carbonate crystals and organic (proteid) molecules.
Oval
"Egg shape that is rounded at the largest end and tapered at the oterh end. Often used to describe the typical egg shape."
Zoology glossary ~ N
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Naricorns
"Raised, hrony tubes (nostril sheaths) on top of the bill that encase the nostrils of members of the order Procellariiformes." (Source: Sibley)
Nature
Nature comprises all living organisms (biotic components), all non living components such as the physical environment (abiotic components), and all of the possible interactions among and between biotic and abiotic components.
Nearctic
"Relating to the biogeographic subregion that includes Greenland and North America north of tropical Mexico." (Source: Sibley)
Nectivorous
"Nectar-eating." (Source: Sibley)
Nematocyst
A specialized stinging cell in coelenterates; contains a hairlike structure that can be ejected.
Neoarchean
Neoarchean
Neonate
Newborn snake or lizard when it is the product of a live birth
Neoproterozoic
Neoproterozoic
Neotropics
"The biogeographic region that includes southern Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America." (Source: Sibley)
Nephridium
An excretory organ consisting of an open bulb and a tubule leading to the exterior; found in many invertebrates, such as segmented worms.
Neritic
"Relating to the portion of the ocean composed of the shallow waters over the continental shelf." (Source: Sibley)
Nest Parasitism
"Reproduction by laying eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the nest owners to provide parantal care. May be interspecific (eggs laid in the nests of other species) or intraspecific (eggs laid in nests of the same species)." (Source: Sibley)
New World
"The Western hemisphere, including North and South America." (Source: Sibley)
Nidicolous
"Reared for a time in a nest." (Source: Sibley)
Nidifugous
"Leaving the nest soon after hatching. Nidifugous young are always precocial." (Source: Sibley)
Nomadism
"Movement in which a population shifts from site to site between seasons in a relatively unpredictable manner." (Source: Sibley)
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Naricorns
"Raised, hrony tubes (nostril sheaths) on top of the bill that encase the nostrils of members of the order Procellariiformes." (Source: Sibley)
Nature
Nature comprises all living organisms (biotic components), all non living components such as the physical environment (abiotic components), and all of the possible interactions among and between biotic and abiotic components.
Nearctic
"Relating to the biogeographic subregion that includes Greenland and North America north of tropical Mexico." (Source: Sibley)
Nectivorous
"Nectar-eating." (Source: Sibley)
Nematocyst
A specialized stinging cell in coelenterates; contains a hairlike structure that can be ejected.
Neoarchean
Neoarchean
Neonate
Newborn snake or lizard when it is the product of a live birth
Neoproterozoic
Neoproterozoic
Neotropics
"The biogeographic region that includes southern Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America." (Source: Sibley)
Nephridium
An excretory organ consisting of an open bulb and a tubule leading to the exterior; found in many invertebrates, such as segmented worms.
Neritic
"Relating to the portion of the ocean composed of the shallow waters over the continental shelf." (Source: Sibley)
Nest Parasitism
"Reproduction by laying eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the nest owners to provide parantal care. May be interspecific (eggs laid in the nests of other species) or intraspecific (eggs laid in nests of the same species)." (Source: Sibley)
New World
"The Western hemisphere, including North and South America." (Source: Sibley)
Nidicolous
"Reared for a time in a nest." (Source: Sibley)
Nidifugous
"Leaving the nest soon after hatching. Nidifugous young are always precocial." (Source: Sibley)
Nomadism
"Movement in which a population shifts from site to site between seasons in a relatively unpredictable manner." (Source: Sibley)
Zoology glossary ~ M
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Macroevolution
Macroevolution
Microevolution
Microevolution
Melanism
An increase in the average amount of black or nearly black pigmentation in an organism or group of organisms, resulting from the presence of melanin.
Mendelian Trait
A trait that is regulated by a single locus and shows a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern.
Mammalia
Mammals, as a group of animals, belong to the Class Mammalia. The Class Mammalia, in turn, belongs to the larger group known as the vertebrates (animals with backbones; also called the Phylum Chordata).
Mandible
The lower portion of a bird's bill, also referred to as the lower mandible.
Mantle
A group of feathers located on the mid-back of a bird.
Mare
A female horse, more than four years old.
Mast
Nuts, large fruits, and other plant material that accumulates on the forest floor.
Maxilla
The upper part of a bird's bill, also referred to as the upper mandible.
Medusa
A stage in the life cycle of a coelenterate in which it is free-swimming.
Meiosis
The process of nuclear division in a cell that involves the reduction of the number of chromosomes by one half.
Mesoarchean
Mesoarchean
Mesoproterozoic
Mesoproterozoic
Metabolism
The sum of all of the chemical reactions that take place in an organism (or within an individual cell).
Metamorphosis
The process some animals undergo in which they change from an immature form to an adult form.
Microhabitat
The elements of a habitat that are used by an individual during its daily activities. Refers to a subset of conditions within a wider scope of habitat characteristics.
Migration
The annual movement of groups of animals between their breeding grounds and wintering sites.
Migratory Overshooting
A phenomenon in which migratory animals move along the correct route but travel beyond the normal distance and thus over-shoot their destination.
Mirror-Image Orientation
A migratory phenomenon in which individuals seem to reverse the east-west orientation of their migration route.
Mitochondrial DNA Study
A study of the origins and relationships among species and other taxa that examines the mitocondrial DNA of the organisms to establish genetic similarities and differences and in turn establish phylogenetic relationships based on genetic evidence.
Mobbing
A form of behavior in some birds in which a group of birds harrass a predator or other intruding animal in order to force that animal to leave the area.
Molt Migration
An annual migration pattern in birds in which individuals move from the breeding ground to a temporary location where thye molt and then migrate again to a wintering range. Occurs in ducks and some passerines.
Molt
To shed hair, feathers, shell, or skin such that it can then be renewed and replaced with a new coat, plumage, shell, or skin.
Monogamy
A pair relationship in which a single male and a single female establish an exclusive bond during a reproductive cycle.
Monomer
A small molecule that can be chemically bonded to other monomers (a chain of monomers is referred to as a polymer).
Morph
A distinct type or variant of an individual in which it differs in its physical attributes from other types or variants
Morphology
The physical attributes (form and structure) characteristic of an organism.
Mouthparts
Appendages located close to the mouth of some animals that function in the manipulating of food.
Muscle
A type of tissue in animals that can contract.
Muskeg
A habitat type common in the northern boreal forest that comprises poorly drained wetlands and scattered trees.
Mysticetes
A group of cetaceans that includes the filter-feeding whales such as Right whales, the gray whale and rorquals.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Macroevolution
Macroevolution
Microevolution
Microevolution
Melanism
An increase in the average amount of black or nearly black pigmentation in an organism or group of organisms, resulting from the presence of melanin.
Mendelian Trait
A trait that is regulated by a single locus and shows a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern.
Mammalia
Mammals, as a group of animals, belong to the Class Mammalia. The Class Mammalia, in turn, belongs to the larger group known as the vertebrates (animals with backbones; also called the Phylum Chordata).
Mandible
The lower portion of a bird's bill, also referred to as the lower mandible.
Mantle
A group of feathers located on the mid-back of a bird.
Mare
A female horse, more than four years old.
Mast
Nuts, large fruits, and other plant material that accumulates on the forest floor.
Maxilla
The upper part of a bird's bill, also referred to as the upper mandible.
Medusa
A stage in the life cycle of a coelenterate in which it is free-swimming.
Meiosis
The process of nuclear division in a cell that involves the reduction of the number of chromosomes by one half.
Mesoarchean
Mesoarchean
Mesoproterozoic
Mesoproterozoic
Metabolism
The sum of all of the chemical reactions that take place in an organism (or within an individual cell).
Metamorphosis
The process some animals undergo in which they change from an immature form to an adult form.
Microhabitat
The elements of a habitat that are used by an individual during its daily activities. Refers to a subset of conditions within a wider scope of habitat characteristics.
Migration
The annual movement of groups of animals between their breeding grounds and wintering sites.
Migratory Overshooting
A phenomenon in which migratory animals move along the correct route but travel beyond the normal distance and thus over-shoot their destination.
Mirror-Image Orientation
A migratory phenomenon in which individuals seem to reverse the east-west orientation of their migration route.
Mitochondrial DNA Study
A study of the origins and relationships among species and other taxa that examines the mitocondrial DNA of the organisms to establish genetic similarities and differences and in turn establish phylogenetic relationships based on genetic evidence.
Mobbing
A form of behavior in some birds in which a group of birds harrass a predator or other intruding animal in order to force that animal to leave the area.
Molt Migration
An annual migration pattern in birds in which individuals move from the breeding ground to a temporary location where thye molt and then migrate again to a wintering range. Occurs in ducks and some passerines.
Molt
To shed hair, feathers, shell, or skin such that it can then be renewed and replaced with a new coat, plumage, shell, or skin.
Monogamy
A pair relationship in which a single male and a single female establish an exclusive bond during a reproductive cycle.
Monomer
A small molecule that can be chemically bonded to other monomers (a chain of monomers is referred to as a polymer).
Morph
A distinct type or variant of an individual in which it differs in its physical attributes from other types or variants
Morphology
The physical attributes (form and structure) characteristic of an organism.
Mouthparts
Appendages located close to the mouth of some animals that function in the manipulating of food.
Muscle
A type of tissue in animals that can contract.
Muskeg
A habitat type common in the northern boreal forest that comprises poorly drained wetlands and scattered trees.
Mysticetes
A group of cetaceans that includes the filter-feeding whales such as Right whales, the gray whale and rorquals.
Zoology glossary ~ L
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Labial
Pertaining to the lips.
Lanceolate
"A long, slender shape like a thin leaf."
Larva
Immature form of some animals that undergo radical transformation to attain the adult form.
Last Common Ancestor
The most recent known common ancestor of a set of lineages or taxa.
Lateral
Pertaining to the side.
Lek
"Associated with an extreme for of polygyny (lekking) in which males gather in tiny territories to display to visiting females, who select males for copulation."
Life Cycle
A series of stages through which an animal develops as it progresses from birth to reproductive maturity.
Lift
"An aeorodynamic force that moves a bird off the ground and keeps it in the air; produced by air moing around and past the airfoil formed by the wings."
Littoral
"A shallow-water habitat found immediately along the coasts or edges of lakes and oceans."
Live-Bearing
Of an animal that gives birth to nonates, rather than lays eggs
Loafing Platform
"A nest-like structure built by coots and waterfowl where young can rest out of the water."
Lores
"The area between the eyes and the base of the bill."
Lung
An internal chamber specialized for gas exchange in an animal.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Labial
Pertaining to the lips.
Lanceolate
"A long, slender shape like a thin leaf."
Larva
Immature form of some animals that undergo radical transformation to attain the adult form.
Last Common Ancestor
The most recent known common ancestor of a set of lineages or taxa.
Lateral
Pertaining to the side.
Lek
"Associated with an extreme for of polygyny (lekking) in which males gather in tiny territories to display to visiting females, who select males for copulation."
Life Cycle
A series of stages through which an animal develops as it progresses from birth to reproductive maturity.
Lift
"An aeorodynamic force that moves a bird off the ground and keeps it in the air; produced by air moing around and past the airfoil formed by the wings."
Littoral
"A shallow-water habitat found immediately along the coasts or edges of lakes and oceans."
Live-Bearing
Of an animal that gives birth to nonates, rather than lays eggs
Loafing Platform
"A nest-like structure built by coots and waterfowl where young can rest out of the water."
Lores
"The area between the eyes and the base of the bill."
Lung
An internal chamber specialized for gas exchange in an animal.
Zoology glossary ~ K
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Keratin
An sturdy, insoluble protein that is present in the feathers of birds, the scales of reptiles, and the hooves, hair, and nails of mammals.
Kleptoparasitism
A form of parasitism in which parasite steals items such as food or nest materials from other host individauls.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Keratin
An sturdy, insoluble protein that is present in the feathers of birds, the scales of reptiles, and the hooves, hair, and nails of mammals.
Kleptoparasitism
A form of parasitism in which parasite steals items such as food or nest materials from other host individauls.
Zoology glossary ~ J
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Juvenal
"Refers to the first plumage attained after a bird loses its down feathers."
Juvenile
"A bird wearing its juvenal body feathers. In most songbirds juvenal feathers are molted within a few weeks of leaving the nest; thus songbirds are generally considered to be juveniles for only a short period."
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Juvenal
"Refers to the first plumage attained after a bird loses its down feathers."
Juvenile
"A bird wearing its juvenal body feathers. In most songbirds juvenal feathers are molted within a few weeks of leaving the nest; thus songbirds are generally considered to be juveniles for only a short period."
Zoology glossary ~ I
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Ichthyology
The study of fish.
Ideal Free Distribution
The distribution of individuals across resource patches of different intrinsic quality that equalizes the net rate of gain of each when competition is taken into account.
Imago
The fourth, or adult, stage in the life of certain insects, such as the butterfly or moth.
Immature
"A yong bird no longer under parental care but not yet old enough to breed; a bird that is not yet fully adult." (Source: Sibley)
Imprinting
The tendency of young animals to follow the first moving thing they see. In the wild, this is usually the mother, but in captivity, where the mother may not be the first thing they see, they might follow a human being or any moving object.
Incubation Patch
"A defeathered area on the lower abdomen in which the skin has thickened and become rich with blood vessels." (Source: Sibley)
Inhibition
The suppression of a colonizing population by another that is already established, especially during successional sequences.
Insectivore
Used as a term of classification, this word denotes an insect-eating mammal of the Order Insectovira (such as the shrew). The word is more generally used of any insectivorous creature (such as the bat)‚ a creature that eats mainly insects.
Instinct
Inborn or innate behavior.
Intergrading
"The merging of characteristics of two populations where their ranges come into contact." (Source: Sibley)
Internal Compass
"The hypothesized mechanism that allows organisms to orient themselves so as to proceed in the proper direction during long-distance movements such as migration." (Source: Sibley)
Interstitial Skin
Skin between a snake's scales.
Introduced Species
A species that humans have placed into an ecosystem or community (either accidentally or intentionally) in which it does not naturally occur.
Invasion
"Sudden large movement of individuals into an area where they are generally uncommon, often on an unpredictable basis." (Source: Sibley)
Invertebrate
Animal without a backbone. Invertebrates make up over 90 percent of all animal species.
Irruption
"Sudden large movement of individuals into an area where they are generally uncommon, often on an unpredictable basis." (Source: Sibley)
Isolating Mechanism
An obstacle to interbreeding, either extrinsic, such as a geographical barrier, or intrinsic, such as structural or behavioral incompatibility.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Ichthyology
The study of fish.
Ideal Free Distribution
The distribution of individuals across resource patches of different intrinsic quality that equalizes the net rate of gain of each when competition is taken into account.
Imago
The fourth, or adult, stage in the life of certain insects, such as the butterfly or moth.
Immature
"A yong bird no longer under parental care but not yet old enough to breed; a bird that is not yet fully adult." (Source: Sibley)
Imprinting
The tendency of young animals to follow the first moving thing they see. In the wild, this is usually the mother, but in captivity, where the mother may not be the first thing they see, they might follow a human being or any moving object.
Incubation Patch
"A defeathered area on the lower abdomen in which the skin has thickened and become rich with blood vessels." (Source: Sibley)
Inhibition
The suppression of a colonizing population by another that is already established, especially during successional sequences.
Insectivore
Used as a term of classification, this word denotes an insect-eating mammal of the Order Insectovira (such as the shrew). The word is more generally used of any insectivorous creature (such as the bat)‚ a creature that eats mainly insects.
Instinct
Inborn or innate behavior.
Intergrading
"The merging of characteristics of two populations where their ranges come into contact." (Source: Sibley)
Internal Compass
"The hypothesized mechanism that allows organisms to orient themselves so as to proceed in the proper direction during long-distance movements such as migration." (Source: Sibley)
Interstitial Skin
Skin between a snake's scales.
Introduced Species
A species that humans have placed into an ecosystem or community (either accidentally or intentionally) in which it does not naturally occur.
Invasion
"Sudden large movement of individuals into an area where they are generally uncommon, often on an unpredictable basis." (Source: Sibley)
Invertebrate
Animal without a backbone. Invertebrates make up over 90 percent of all animal species.
Irruption
"Sudden large movement of individuals into an area where they are generally uncommon, often on an unpredictable basis." (Source: Sibley)
Isolating Mechanism
An obstacle to interbreeding, either extrinsic, such as a geographical barrier, or intrinsic, such as structural or behavioral incompatibility.
Zoology glossary ~ H
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Habitat Patch
An area of distinct habitat type.
Habitat Selection
Preference for certain habitats.
Habitat
Place where an animal or plant normally lives, often characterized by a dominant plant form or physical characteristic (that is, the stream habitat, the forest habitat).
Hacking
"A conservation and rehabilitation practice in which birds released into the wild are prvisioned with food while they gradually become independent." (
Hadean
Hadean
Hallux
"Hind toe."
Hatchling
Animal that has just emerged from an egg.
Heat Sensitive Pit
Organ that helps certain snakes locate their warm-blooded prey. In boas and pythons, these border the mouth (labial pits); in pitvipers, they are between the nostri, the eye, and the moutn (loreal pits).
Herbaceous
Having a stem that remains soft and succulent; not woody.
Herbivore
An organism that consumes living plants or their parts.
Hermaphroditic
A type of animal in which each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
Heterodactyly
"Arrangement of the toes in which the inner front toe is turned backward such that two toes point forward and two backward."
Heterogeneity
Heterotroph
An organism that utilizes organic materials as a source of energy and nutrients.
Hibernation
State of winter dormancy associated with lowered body temperature and metabolism.
Histology
The structure and arrangement of the tissues of organisms; the study of these.
Holarctic
"Relating to the boigeographic region that includes the northern parts of the Old and New Worlds, and that comprises the Nearctic and Palearctic regions."
Holotype
A single individual organism that is selected to represent the standard for a particular taxon and which serves as the standard for the original name and description of the species.
Home Range
"The area that an animal uses in the course of its daily activities. Not necessarily defended."
Homeostasis
The process by which an organism maintains constant internal conditions in the face of a varying external environment.
Homeothermy
Ability to maintain constant body temperature in the face of fluctuating environmental temperature; warm-blooded.
Homology
A similarity in traits that reflects descent from a common ancestor and which by inference was also present in that common ancestor. A shared character that is due to common hereditary.
Host
"Bird whose nest receives eggs laid by brood parasites. The hosts then provide parental care to the unrelated young that hatch from the parasitic egg, often to the detriment of their own young."
Humus
Fine particles of organic detritis in soil.
Hyoid Apparatus
"A collective term for the bones of the tongue and associated connective tissues, found in the upper throat."
Hypostracum
The innermost layer of a snail's shell, closest to the snail's body.
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Habitat Compression
Restriction of habitat distribution in response to increase in number of competing species.
Habitat Expansion
Increase in average breadth of habitat distribution of species in depauperate biotas, especially on islands, compared with species in more diverse biotas.
Restriction of habitat distribution in response to increase in number of competing species.
Habitat Expansion
Increase in average breadth of habitat distribution of species in depauperate biotas, especially on islands, compared with species in more diverse biotas.
Habitat Patch
An area of distinct habitat type.
Habitat Selection
Preference for certain habitats.
Habitat
Place where an animal or plant normally lives, often characterized by a dominant plant form or physical characteristic (that is, the stream habitat, the forest habitat).
Hacking
"A conservation and rehabilitation practice in which birds released into the wild are prvisioned with food while they gradually become independent." (
Hadean
Hadean
Hallux
"Hind toe."
Hatchling
Animal that has just emerged from an egg.
Heat Sensitive Pit
Organ that helps certain snakes locate their warm-blooded prey. In boas and pythons, these border the mouth (labial pits); in pitvipers, they are between the nostri, the eye, and the moutn (loreal pits).
Herbaceous
Having a stem that remains soft and succulent; not woody.
Herbivore
An organism that consumes living plants or their parts.
Hermaphroditic
A type of animal in which each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
Heterodactyly
"Arrangement of the toes in which the inner front toe is turned backward such that two toes point forward and two backward."
Heterogeneity
The variety of qualities found in an environment (habitat patches) or a population (genotypic variation).
Heterotroph
An organism that utilizes organic materials as a source of energy and nutrients.
Hibernation
State of winter dormancy associated with lowered body temperature and metabolism.
Histology
The structure and arrangement of the tissues of organisms; the study of these.
Holarctic
"Relating to the boigeographic region that includes the northern parts of the Old and New Worlds, and that comprises the Nearctic and Palearctic regions."
Holotype
A single individual organism that is selected to represent the standard for a particular taxon and which serves as the standard for the original name and description of the species.
Home Range
"The area that an animal uses in the course of its daily activities. Not necessarily defended."
Homeostasis
The process by which an organism maintains constant internal conditions in the face of a varying external environment.
Homeothermy
Ability to maintain constant body temperature in the face of fluctuating environmental temperature; warm-blooded.
Homology
A similarity in traits that reflects descent from a common ancestor and which by inference was also present in that common ancestor. A shared character that is due to common hereditary.
Host
"Bird whose nest receives eggs laid by brood parasites. The hosts then provide parental care to the unrelated young that hatch from the parasitic egg, often to the detriment of their own young."
Humus
Fine particles of organic detritis in soil.
Hyoid Apparatus
"A collective term for the bones of the tongue and associated connective tissues, found in the upper throat."
Hypostracum
The innermost layer of a snail's shell, closest to the snail's body.
Zoology glossary ~ G
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Gamma Diversity
The inclusive diversity of all the habitat types within an area; regional diversity.
Gaping
"A foraging technique in which a bird thrusts its bill into the soil and forcibly opens the bill, creating an opening."
Gelding
A male horse that has been castrated.
Gene Flow
Exchange of genetic traits between populations by movement of individuals, gametes, or spores.
Gene Frequency
The proportion of a particular allele of a gene in the gene pool of a population.
Gene
Generally, a unit of genetic inheritance. In biochemistry, gene refers to the part of the DNA molecule that encodes a single enzyme or structural protein.
Generalist
A species with broad food or habitat preferences.
Generation Time
Average age at which a female gives birth to her offspring, or the average time for a population to increase by a factor equal to the net reproductive rate.
Genetic Drift
Change in allele frequency due to random variations in fecundity and mortality in a population.
Genetic Feedback
Evolutionary response of a population to the adaptations of competitors, predators, or prey.
Genetic Variance
Variation in a phenotypic value within a population due to the expression of genetic factors.
Genome
The cell's total complement of DNA: in eucaryotes, the nuclear and organelle chromosomes; in procaryotes, the major chromosome, episomes, and plasmids. In viruses and viroids, the total complement of DNA or RNA.
Genotype
All the genetic characteristics that determine the structure and function of an organism; often applied to a single gene locus to distinguish one allele, or combination of alleles, from another.
Gharial
Asia, fish-eating crocodilian with a very narrow snout.
Gizzard
A chamber of an animal's digestive tract specialized for grinding food.
Gonads
The testes or ovaries.
Gorget
"Iridescent throat patch on hummingbirds."
Greenhouse Effect
Warming of the earth's climate owing to the increased concentration of carbon dioxide and certaain other pollutants in the atmosphere.
Gross Production
The total energy or nutrients assimilated by an organism, a population, or an entire community.
Group Selection
Elimination of groups of individuals with a detrimental genetic trait, caused by competition with other groups lacking the trait; often called intergroup selection.
Guano
"Large deposits of bird feces that accumulate in sites that birds regularly use, such as breeding colonies."
Gular Fluttering
"A cooling behavior in which birds rapidly flap membranes in the throat to increase evaporation; particularly obvious in cormorants, pelicans, and their relatives."
Gular Pouch
"A bare throat pouch that can be expanded to accomodate large prey; found in pelicans and their relatives."
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Gamma Diversity
The inclusive diversity of all the habitat types within an area; regional diversity.
Gaping
"A foraging technique in which a bird thrusts its bill into the soil and forcibly opens the bill, creating an opening."
Gelding
A male horse that has been castrated.
Gene Flow
Exchange of genetic traits between populations by movement of individuals, gametes, or spores.
Gene Frequency
The proportion of a particular allele of a gene in the gene pool of a population.
Gene
Generally, a unit of genetic inheritance. In biochemistry, gene refers to the part of the DNA molecule that encodes a single enzyme or structural protein.
Generalist
A species with broad food or habitat preferences.
Generation Time
Average age at which a female gives birth to her offspring, or the average time for a population to increase by a factor equal to the net reproductive rate.
Genetic Drift
Change in allele frequency due to random variations in fecundity and mortality in a population.
Genetic Feedback
Evolutionary response of a population to the adaptations of competitors, predators, or prey.
Genetic Variance
Variation in a phenotypic value within a population due to the expression of genetic factors.
Genome
The cell's total complement of DNA: in eucaryotes, the nuclear and organelle chromosomes; in procaryotes, the major chromosome, episomes, and plasmids. In viruses and viroids, the total complement of DNA or RNA.
Genotype
All the genetic characteristics that determine the structure and function of an organism; often applied to a single gene locus to distinguish one allele, or combination of alleles, from another.
Gharial
Asia, fish-eating crocodilian with a very narrow snout.
Gizzard
A chamber of an animal's digestive tract specialized for grinding food.
Gonads
The testes or ovaries.
Gorget
"Iridescent throat patch on hummingbirds."
Greenhouse Effect
Warming of the earth's climate owing to the increased concentration of carbon dioxide and certaain other pollutants in the atmosphere.
Gross Production
The total energy or nutrients assimilated by an organism, a population, or an entire community.
Group Selection
Elimination of groups of individuals with a detrimental genetic trait, caused by competition with other groups lacking the trait; often called intergroup selection.
Guano
"Large deposits of bird feces that accumulate in sites that birds regularly use, such as breeding colonies."
Gular Fluttering
"A cooling behavior in which birds rapidly flap membranes in the throat to increase evaporation; particularly obvious in cormorants, pelicans, and their relatives."
Gular Pouch
"A bare throat pouch that can be expanded to accomodate large prey; found in pelicans and their relatives."
Zoology glossary ~ F
Zoology Glossary Index:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Fall Bloom
The rapid growth of algae in temperate lakes following the autumnal breakdown of thermal stratification and mixing of water layers.
Fall Overturn
The vertical mixing of the layers of the water in temperate lakes. This turnover occurs in autumn when temperatures start to change.
Fallout
Birds that are forced during migration to land in areas they would not normally inhabit in order to avoid harsh weather.
Family
A taxonomic group used in the classification of living things. This group ranks below an order and is subdivided into one or more genera.
Fang
A long hollow tooth found in venomous snakes. The snakes inject their venom into prey through their fangs.
Fauna
The entire set of animals that live in an area or during a period of time.
Feces
The indigestible waste that an animal expells from its digestive tract.
Fecundity
A measure of the rate at which an individual organism reproduces.
Femur
The thigh bone in vertebrates that have four limbs or the third segment of the leg in insects.
Feral
Pertaining to an animal that comes from domesticated stock and that has subsequently taken up life in the wild.
Fetus
An embryo that is in the later stages of devemlopment but is still in the egg or uterus. A female horse that is four years or younger in age.
Filter Feeder
Fitness
The genetic contribution that an individual's descendents makes to future generations of a population.
Fledging
"The development in young birds of the feathers necessary for flight."
Flight Feathers
"A young bird that ahs left the nest but is not yet completely independent of parental care."
Flight Feathers
Foal
Refers to a horse, either male or female, up to six months in age.
Food Chain
A representation of the passage of energy through populations in the community.
Food Web
A representation of the various paths of energy flow through populations in the community.
Founder Effect
The difference between the gene pool of a population as a whole and that of a newly isolated population of that species.
Frugivorous
Fruit-eating. Relying on fruit as a sole source of food.
Functional Response
Change in the rate of exploitation of prey by an individual predator as a result of a change in prey density.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Facial Shield
A hard plate on the forehead of some birds (coots, for example). It functions as a display ornament as well as enables the distinguishing between different species.
A hard plate on the forehead of some birds (coots, for example). It functions as a display ornament as well as enables the distinguishing between different species.
Fall Bloom
The rapid growth of algae in temperate lakes following the autumnal breakdown of thermal stratification and mixing of water layers.
Fall Overturn
The vertical mixing of the layers of the water in temperate lakes. This turnover occurs in autumn when temperatures start to change.
Fallout
Birds that are forced during migration to land in areas they would not normally inhabit in order to avoid harsh weather.
Family
A taxonomic group used in the classification of living things. This group ranks below an order and is subdivided into one or more genera.
Fang
A long hollow tooth found in venomous snakes. The snakes inject their venom into prey through their fangs.
Fauna
The entire set of animals that live in an area or during a period of time.
Feces
The indigestible waste that an animal expells from its digestive tract.
Fecundity
A measure of the rate at which an individual organism reproduces.
Femur
The thigh bone in vertebrates that have four limbs or the third segment of the leg in insects.
Feral
Pertaining to an animal that comes from domesticated stock and that has subsequently taken up life in the wild.
Fetus
An embryo that is in the later stages of devemlopment but is still in the egg or uterus.
Filter Feeder
An organism that filters food particles from its surrounding aqueous environment. It strains the water using sieve-like structures. Examples of filter feeders include clams and baleen whales.
Fitness
The genetic contribution that an individual's descendents makes to future generations of a population.
Fledging
"The development in young birds of the feathers necessary for flight."
Flight Feathers
"A young bird that ahs left the nest but is not yet completely independent of parental care."
Flight Feathers
"Collective name for the long feathers of the wings and tail."
Foal
Refers to a horse, either male or female, up to six months in age.
Food Chain
A representation of the passage of energy through populations in the community.
Food Web
A representation of the various paths of energy flow through populations in the community.
Founder Effect
The difference between the gene pool of a population as a whole and that of a newly isolated population of that species.
Frugivorous
Fruit-eating. Relying on fruit as a sole source of food.
Functional Response
Change in the rate of exploitation of prey by an individual predator as a result of a change in prey density.
