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Zoo docent vocab > Zoo docent vocab > Flashcards

Zoo docent vocab Flashcards

1
Q

Menagerie

A

the first recorded method of displaying common and exotic animals in captivity and was still mostly connected with an aristocratic or royal court and it was thus situated within a garden or park of a palace.

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2
Q

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

A

a former federal agency (1935–43) charged with instituting and administering public works in order to relieve national unemployment during the Great Depression.

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3
Q

AZA

A

Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits zoos and aquariums that have met rigorous standards.

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4
Q

SSPs

A

Species Survival Plans - oversees the welfare of endangered species in captivity, to ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums which are endangered in the wild

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5
Q

Biomass

A

collective mass of the biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms in an ecosystem at any given time

Higher trophic levels, less biomass (only 10% of energy is transferred to the next level)

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6
Q

Browser

A

type of feeding where an animal eats the vegetation on bushes and trees (e.g. leaves, giraffes)

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7
Q

Carnivore

A

an animal that gets its energy from eating other animals.

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8
Q

Climate

A

the long term prevailing weather patterns of a region as temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, air pressure in an area are averaged over a series of years. Climate is influenced by latitude, altitude, terrain, and nearby bodies of water.

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9
Q

Consumer

A

organisms of a food chain that receive energy by consuming other organisms (e.g. primary, secondary, tertiary)

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10
Q

Crepuscular

A

of or relating to activity occurring during the twilight hours, of dawn or dusk.

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11
Q

Decomposer

A

organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms back into nutrients

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12
Q

Diurnal

A

of or relating to activity occurring during the daylight hours.

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13
Q

Ecology

A

the study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.

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14
Q

Ecosystem

A

a community of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things that work together, interacting organisms and their physical environment

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15
Q

Environment

A

an animal’s environment is everything in its surroundings abiotic and biotic.

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16
Q

Food chain

A

the linear sequence of who eats what in an ecosystem to obtain nutrition.

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17
Q

Food web

A

depicts feeding connections in an ecological community, multiple food chains

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18
Q

Frugivore

A

an animal that eats only fruit

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19
Q

Folivore

A

an animal that eats only leaves and stems

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20
Q

Grazer

A

type of feeding when an animal eats the grass on the ground.

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21
Q

Habitat

A

the specific environment in which any given organism or any given population lives. It is the “address” of the organism. A habitat contains everything that an animal needs to survive, including air, food, water, shelter, sun, space and other animals.

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22
Q

Herbivore

A

an animal that gets its energy from eating plants, and only plants.

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23
Q

Keystone species

A

a species whose impact on its community or ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance; many other species may depend upon its abundance as prey for their survival (e.g. wolves, sea otter, bees)

if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically

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24
Q

Niche

A

the specific role or function of an organism or species plays in an ecosystem

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25
Q

Nocturnal

A

of or relating to activity occurring during the night hours.

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26
Q

Omnivore

A

an animal that eats both plants and animals.

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27
Q

Photosynthesis

A

process used by plants and other organisms to convert CO2 light energy, normally from the sun, into Oxygen and chemical energy that can be later released to fuel the organisms’ activities

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28
Q

Producer

A

they are plants, organisms in an ecosystem that produce biomass from inorganic compounds (e.g. water, phosphate, nitrate)

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29
Q

Trophic Level

A

the position an organism occupies in a food chain.

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30
Q

Biodiversity

A

the variety of different types of life found on Earth. It is a measure of the variety of organisms present in different ecosystems

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31
Q

Biodiversity hotspot

A

a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from humans.

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32
Q

Bushmeat

A

wild animals hunted for human consumption.

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33
Q

CITES

A

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

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34
Q

Climate change

A

a long-term change in the Earth’s climate, especially a change due to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature.

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35
Q

Critically endangered

A

taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

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36
Q

Ecosystem diversity

A

variety of ecosystems in a given place; the diversity of a place at the level of ecosystems. The term differs from biodiversity, which refers to variation in species rather than ecosystems.

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37
Q

Endangered

A

Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating.

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38
Q

Genetic diversity

A

the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

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39
Q

Indicator species

A

a species whose presence, absence, or relative well-being in a given environment is indicative of the health of its ecosystem as a whole (e.g. frogs)

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40
Q

IUCN

A

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources maintains the Red List of Threatened Species which is used for guiding conservation action and policy decisions.

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41
Q

Studbooks

A

a record of the lineage of a wild animal bred in captivity; it is an animal’s family tree.

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42
Q

TAGs

A

Taxon Advisory Groups examine the conservation needs of an entire taxa, and develop recommendations for population management and conservation based upon the needs of the species.

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43
Q

Threatened

A

when discussing IUCN categories, the term threatened is generally used to refer to three categories (Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered)

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44
Q

Vulnerable

A

taxa likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.

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45
Q

Binomial nomenclature

A

a formal system of naming species by giving each a name composed of two parts; one indicating the Genus and one indicating the species. Each binomial name is unique to a specific species. (e.g. Homo sapiens)

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46
Q

Clade

A

a taxonomic group of organisms classified together on the basis of homologous features traced to a common ancestor. A clade is a grouping that includes a common ancestor and all the descendants (living and extinct) of that ancestor.

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47
Q

Phylogenetics

A

the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms

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48
Q

Phylogeny

A

the evolutionary history of a kind of organism

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49
Q

Species

A

a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding.

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50
Q

Subspecies

A

a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics, but that can successfully interbreed.

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51
Q

Adaptive radiation

A

process in which organisms diversify rapidly into a multitude of new forms, particularly when a change in the environment makes new resources available, creates new challenges and opens environmental niches

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52
Q

Analogous structures

A

similar structures that evolved independently in two living organisms to serve the same purpose, but with different ancestors (e.g. sharks and dolphins, bats and birds) - through convergent evolution

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53
Q

Biological evolution

A

any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations. These changes may be small or large, noticeable or not so noticeable.

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54
Q

Coevolution

A

The process of reciprocal evolutionary change that occurs between pairs of species or among groups of species as they interact with one another; two (or more) species reciprocally affect each other’s evolution; the evolutionary change of one species triggered by interaction with another species.

Ex: giraffe and acacia, pollinators and plants

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55
Q

Convergent evolution

A

unrelated species can develop similar traits as the process of natural selection results in the same solution to a similar problem (analogous structures)

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56
Q

Genetic diversity

A

the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It is distinguished from genetic variability, which describes the tendency of genetic characteristics to vary.

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57
Q

Genetic drift

A

a change in the number of times you might see a certain trait in a population due to chance or random events.

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58
Q

Homology

A

the existence of shared ancestry between a pair of structures, or genes, in different species.

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59
Q

Natural selection

A

Concept that individuals with mutations resulting in specific attributes may be better suited to conditions in a particular habitat. These better suited individuals survive and reproduce, passing along such favorable traits to their offspring. Such traits become more pronounced over time with succeeding generations, ultimately leading to new sub-species or entirely new species.

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60
Q

Speciation

A

the evolutionary process by which populations become distinct of species. Typically, but now always a result of geographic isolation over time.

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61
Q

Vestigial

A

a feature of a species that is greatly reduced from the original ancestral form and is no longer functional or is of reduced or altered function (e.g. penguin wings for swimming not flying, human appendix)

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62
Q

Ectothermic

A

any animal whose regulation of body temperature depends on external sources, such as sunlight or a heated rock surface.

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63
Q

Endothermic

A

any animal dependent on or capable of the internal generation of heat. The animal is able to maintain a relatively constant internal temperature, irrespective of the temperature of the surroundings.

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64
Q

Heterodonts

A

animals which have different kinds of teeth; for example, most mammal teeth are differentiated into incisors, canines and molars.

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65
Q

Invertebrate

A

any animal lacking a backbone, including all species not classified as vertebrates. Most animals (97%) are invertebrates; corals, insects, worms, jellyfish, starfish, and snails are invertebrates.

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66
Q

Tetrapod

A

a four-legged vertebrate; this group includes amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

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67
Q

Biogeography

A

the geographical distribution of plants and animals.

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68
Q

Continental Drift

A

The idea that continental plates are in constant motion and have changed their positions relative to the equator over time.

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69
Q

Endemic

A

a species native or restricted to a certain country or area.

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70
Q

Gondwanaland

A

Remainder of Pangea that formed all southern continents, Antarctica, South America, Africa, Australia, subcontinent India and part of southern Asia.

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71
Q

Laurasia

A

Land mass that broke away from Pangea and drifted north to form North America, Europe and Asia

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72
Q

Pangea

A

a supercontinent that included all current land masses, which broke up and drifted apart.

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73
Q

Plate Tectonics

A

the theory that Earth’s cooler outer skin is divided into several plates that glide over the hot molten mantle. Continents rest on tectonic plates.

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74
Q

Zoogeography

A

the geographical distribution of animals.

75
Q

Arthropod

A

an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton ( an external skeleton), a segmented body, and jointed appendages, bilateral symmetry

Arachnida, Crustacean, Chilopoda (Centipede), Diplopoda (Millipedes), Insecta

76
Q

Bilateral symmetry

A

a property of an organism where the body plan can be divided into matching halves by drawing a line down the center; there is a right and left side that are mirror images of each other.

77
Q

Chitin (pronounced kīt′n)

A

the tough substance that is the main component of the exoskeleton of arthropods and lobsters and in the internal structures of other invertebrates.

78
Q

Detritivore

A

an animal that feeds on dead organic material, especially plant detritus (e.g. fungi, worms)

79
Q

Ecdysis

A

the molting or shedding of an outer layer of skin, as by insects, crustaceans, and snakes.

80
Q

Exoskeleton

A

is the external skeleton that supports and protects an animal’s body (made of chitin)

81
Q

Metamorphosis

A

a major change in the form or structure of some animals or insects that happens as the animal or insect becomes an adult

transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. Complete metamorphosis has four distinct life cycle stages

82
Q

Amplexus

A

the mating embrace of a frog or toad during which eggs are shed into the water and there fertilized.

83
Q

Arboreal

A

living in the trees.

84
Q

Buccopharyngeal respiration

A

a type of breathing in amphibians; the throat pulsation of amphibians brings air over the respiratory surface on the lining of their mouth where gas exchange takes place readily.

85
Q

Endoskeleton

A

an internal skeleton, such as the bony or cartilaginous skeleton of vertebrates.

86
Q

Fossorial

A

an organism that is adapted to digging and life underground.

87
Q

Insectivore

A

an animal that eats only or mainly insects. An insectivore is a carnivore.

88
Q

Nictitating membrane

A

is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten it while maintaining visibility (eg. amphibians)

89
Q

Pheromones

A

a chemical substance released by an animal that serves to influence the physiology or behavior of other members of the same species; pheromones might be used to attract a mate.

90
Q

Vertebrate

A

an animal with an encased nervous system including a well-developed brain and a nerve chord that runs through the spinal column or backbone.

Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals

91
Q

Amniotic egg

A

Shell which encases a developing embryo that can be deposited on land instead of water - tough outer shell, semi-permeable shell, and yolk

92
Q

Anapsid

A

the skull does not have openings near the temples; no temporal fenestrae.

93
Q

Carapace

A

the upper or dorsal shell of the turtle

94
Q

Diapsid

A

having two openings in the skull behind each eye;

95
Q

Fenestrae

A

a small opening in the bone

96
Q

Molting

A

periodic shedding of one’s outer covering to make way for new growth.

97
Q

Oviparity

A

external egg laying - method of reproduction in which eggs are laid and embryos develop outside the mother’s body

98
Q

Ovovivipary

A

eggs are maintained internally and developed in the maternal body - the young hatch in the female and are then “born”

The embryo is not nourished by food from the mother.

99
Q

Parietal eye

A

Lizards and snakes have a light sensitive organ called the “parietal eye” on top of the head which looks like a clear scale

The parietal eye detects changes in light, and allows the animal to properly thermoregulate, manage their heat.

It acts as a defensive measure, since an approaching predator will cause the light to change.

100
Q

Parthenogenesis

A

form of asexual reproduction in which growth and development of embryos occur without fertilization (e.g. komodo dragon)

101
Q

Poison

A

a substance that is CONSUMED or spread by TOUCH that is capable of causing the illness or death.

102
Q

Plastron

A

the ventral or bottom shell of the turtle

103
Q

Secondary palate

A

an anatomical structure that divides the nasal cavity from the oral cavity in many vertebrates

(hippos, alligators, can breathe while body is submerged in water)

104
Q

Semipermeable

A

The ability of molecules to pass through a membrane.

105
Q

Synapsid

A

having one opening in the skull behind each eye.

106
Q

Temporal

A

of or relating to the temples; situated on the side of the skull and containing the organ of hearing

107
Q

Thermoregulation

A

the ability for an organism to maintain its core internal temperature independent of the temperature of the environment.

108
Q

Venom

A

a toxic substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions and typically INJECTED into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging.

109
Q

Vivipary

A

development of the embryo inside the body of the mother, eventually leading to live birth, as opposed to laying eggs

110
Q

Altricial

A

helpless at birth or hatching and requiring parental care for a period of time

e.g. cats, dogs, songbirds

111
Q

Anisodactyl

A

having the hallux behind and the other three toes are in front as in a thrush.

112
Q

Bipedal

A

a form of terrestrial locomotion where an organism moves by means of its two rear limbs or legs.

113
Q

Countercurrent heat exchange

A

an arrangement of blood vessels that allows peripheral cooling particularly of appendages and at the same time maintains an adequate blood supply without excessive heat loss; enables arteries and veins flowing in opposite directions to exchange their heat content without mixing.

114
Q

Nictitating membrane

A

is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten it while maintaining visibility.

115
Q

Palmate

A

webbed; the front toes are united as in ducks and gulls.

116
Q

Plumage

A

the entire feathery covering of a bird; plumage refers both to the layer of feathers that cover a bird and the pattern, color, and arrangement of those feathers.

117
Q

Precocial

A

refers to species in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching.

e.g. ducks, chickens, giraffes

118
Q

Raptorial

A

the toes are deeply cleft, with large, strong, sharply curved nails (talons), as in hawks & owls.

119
Q

Sexually dichromatic

A

the difference in coloring or marking patterns between male and female members of the same species.

120
Q

Sexually dimorphic

A

the difference in morphology between male and female members of the same species.

121
Q

Totipalmate

A

fully webbed; all four toes are united by ample webs, as in a pelican or cormorant.

122
Q

Zygodactyl

A

having the toes of each foot arranged in pairs, with two toes in front and two behind as in a woodpecker.

123
Q

Brumation

A

the hibernation-like state that cold-blooded animals utilize during very cold weather

(reptiles)

124
Q

Canine

A

any of the pointed conical teeth located between the incisors and the first molars.

125
Q

Countercurrent heat exchange

A

an arrangement of blood vessels that allows peripheral cooling particularly of appendages and at the same time maintains an adequate blood supply without excessive heat loss; enables arteries and veins flowing in opposite directions to exchange their heat content without mixing.

126
Q

Flehmen response

A

is a behavior whereby an animal curls back its upper lips exposing its front teeth, inhales with the nostrils usually closed and then often holds this position for several seconds. The behavior facilitates the transfer of pheromones and other scents into the vomeronasal organ (VMO) or Jacobson’s organ located in the main nasal chamber causing a behavioral response in members of its own species.

This is seen in ungulates, cats

127
Q

Hibernation

A

a a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in endotherms. Hibernation is characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate.

a period of dormancy and inactivity, varying in length depending on the organism and occurring in cold seasons

128
Q

Incisor

A

any of the anterior teeth in each jaw, used for cutting and gnawing.

129
Q

Molar

A

any one of the teeth back of the incisors and canines. Also known as cheek teeth.

130
Q

Pheromone

A

a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species.

131
Q

Torpor

A

a temporary physiological state characterized by a controlled lowering of metabolic rate, body temperature, and physical activity below that considered normal

it is a “temporary hibernation” which is not as heavy as hibernation, triggered by food availability and their fat stores, not the weather

eg bears

132
Q

Unguligrade

A

walk on the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to sustain their whole body weight. Includes horses and cattle.

133
Q

Embryonic diapause

A

a period of arrested development of an embryo at the stage of blastocyst (70- to 100-cell stage); found in some Kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies; may result in having three young in different stages of development dependent on the mother at one time.

134
Q

Joey

A

an infant marsupial

135
Q

Marsupial

A

an Order of animals whose members are born incompletely developed and are typically carried and suckled in a pouch on the mother’s belly.

136
Q

Monotreme

A

A term to describe a class of egg laying mammals with “one hole” used for reproduction and excretion.

137
Q

Carnassials

A

modified fourth upper premolar and the first lower molar, found in the Order Carnivora, used for shearing flesh and bone in a scissor- or shear-like way.

138
Q

Delayed implantation

A

delayed implantation the embryo does not immediately implant in the uterus, but it is maintained in a state or dormancy. Examples include rodents, bears, seals.

139
Q

Digitigrade

A

walking or standing on its digits, or toes such as a walking bird, cats, or dogs. Digitigrades generally move more quickly and quietly than other animals.

140
Q

Foregut fermentation

A

cellulose digestion seen in ruminants and rely on large complex stomach with rumen

Artiodactyla - even toed

141
Q

Hindgut fermentation

A

digestive process that relies on enlarged cecum and large intestine

Perrisodactyla - odd toed

142
Q

Induced ovulation

A

the act of breeding causes the female’s ovaries to release eggs

143
Q

Obligate carnivore

A

an animal that by its genetic makeup must eat the tissue of other animals in order to thrive (eg big cats)

144
Q

Plantigrade

A

walking with the entire sole of the foot on the ground, as humans, bears, raccoons, and rabbits

145
Q

Precocial

A

refers to species in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching.

146
Q

Rumination

A

the process of re-chewing the cud, which facilitates the proper breakdown of the cellulose rich plant matter.

147
Q

Binocular vision

A

vision in which both eyes are used together; this gives a wider field of view.

148
Q

Bipedal

A

having two feet

149
Q

Brachiation

A

using the forelimbs to swing from branch to branch.

150
Q

Depth perception

A

visual ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and the distance of an object.

151
Q

Ischial callosities

A

a thickened piece of skin found on the buttocks of animals, especially the baboon; a ‘sitting pad’.

152
Q

Knuckle-walk

A

a form of quadrupedal walking in which the forelimbs hold the fingers in a partially flexed posture that allows body weight to press down on the ground through the knuckles

153
Q

Opposable thumb

A

the thumb can bring its tip into opposition with the tips of any of the other digits.

154
Q

Prehensile

A

adapted for seizing or grasping, especially by wrapping around

Eg - giraffe tongues, monkey tails

155
Q

Quadrupedal

A

having four feet.

156
Q

Species diversity

A

the effective number of different species that are represented in a collection of individuals.

157
Q

Anthropomorphism

A

attributing human qualities to non-humans.

158
Q

Cathermal

A

irregular bursts of activity throughout a 24 hour period, possibly to avoid predators

(eg lemurs)

159
Q

Domestication

A

the process of altering an animal’s natural behaviors to serve the purposes of man.

160
Q

Dominance hierarchy

A

organization of individuals into social rankings that arises from aggressive competition for limited resources and mating opportunities.

161
Q

Enrichment

A

a dynamic process for enhancing animal environments to encourage an animal’s natural behavior in the wild.

162
Q

Estivation

A

to spend the hot or dry months in a sleep-like state with a reduction in body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.

163
Q

Ethology

A

the study of animal behavior.

164
Q

Harem

A

a group of females controlled by one male, usual of polygamous animals.

165
Q

Matriarchy

A

an organized group in which females are dominant.

166
Q

Migration

A

seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.

167
Q

Monogamy

A

the habit of having only one mate at a time.

168
Q

Polyandry

A

a female has multiple male partners

169
Q

Polygamy

A

a male has multiple female partners

170
Q

Vomeronasal organ (VMO) or Jacobson organ

A

an auxiliary olfactory sense organ that is found in many animals that functions to the interpretation and sensing of pheromones and estrous scents.

The Jacobson organ is located in the nasal cavity just above the roof of the mouth.

(amphibians, reptiles, and mammals - eg snakes, cats)

171
Q

Angiosperm

A

a plant having its seeds enclosed in an ovary; a flowering plant.

172
Q

Gymnosperm

A

a seed-producing plant that have unenclosed seeds; non-flowering seed plants.

173
Q

Pollination

A

the process by which pollen is transferred from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of the plant, thereby enabling fertilization and reproduction.

174
Q

Auditory bulla

A

bony capsule, which encase parts of the inner ear.

175
Q

Cellulose

A

an organic compound that forms the main component of the cell walls of plants; it gives wood its remarkable strength.

176
Q

Diastema

A

a space or gap between two teeth

eg giraffes

177
Q

Foramen magnum

A

opening in the bottom of the skull through which the spinal cord passes in order to connect to the brain

178
Q

Homodont

A

animals whose teeth are all of the same type; for example, most vertebrates except mammals have a single tooth morphology.

179
Q

Peripheral vision

A

side vision; what is seen on the side by the eye when looking straight ahead.

180
Q

Sagittal crest

A

a ridge of bone running lengthwise along the midline of the top of the skull.

181
Q

Sexual dimorphism

A

the differences in appearance between males and females of the same species, such as in color, shape, size, and structure.

182
Q

Stereoscopic vision

A

The single perception of a slightly different image from each eye, resulting in depth perception.

183
Q

Tapetum lucidum

A

a reflective layer of tissue in the eye that reflects light causing the eyes to glow when light strikes them at night.

It is chiefly a characteristic of nocturnal animals (i.e. cats)

184
Q

Turbinate bone

A

delicate bones in the nasal cavity that direct the flow of air through the nasal passages and heighten the sense of smell. Turbinates are covered with mucous membranes, which warms and moistens the incoming air.

Zoo docent vocab (1 decks)

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