antibiotic – substance derived from fungi or other organisms which is used to destroy or prevent the growth of bacteria or other disease-causing organisms
arid – extremely dry, especially from lack of rainfall
carnivore – an animal that eats the flesh of other animals
chapparals – a low, dense growth of shrubby oaks and brush, especially in the American southwest
coniferous – bearing cones or referring to plants that do so
deciduous – having leaves that drop off each year. Oaks and maples are deciduous trees, but pines keep their needles
diurnal – occurring or active during the daytime
dominant – most powerful; ruling or controlling
dorsal – of, upon, near, or related to the back as an organ or part of an animal
Endangered Species List – an “endangered” species is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a major portion of its range. A “threatened” species is one that likely to become endangered in the future. This list was established by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973. The purpose of the ESA is to protect the species on the list and preserve their habitat.
forbs – broad-leaved, nonwoody, herbaceous (has the characteristics of an herb, including a soft, nonwoody stem) plants. Many forbs are valued as a food for wildlife, livestock even prefer them to grasses
habitat – the natural environment of an animal or plant. Any species may suffer if removed from its natural habitat.
herbivore – an animal that only feeds on plants
hibernate – to sleep through the winter in a den or burrow to save energy. Bears, snakes, and certain other animals hibernate
impale – to pierce and hold fast with a sharp-pointed instrument such as a spear
invertebrates – without a spinal column or backbone
migrate – to change habitat or location
mottled – blotched or spotted with varying colors or shades
nocturnal – active at night
ornithologist – someone who studies birds
paralysis – the loss of feeling in or the inability to move a body part. Paralysis is caused by injury or disease of the nervous system
pike – any of several large freshwater fishes with elongated, flattened snouts, that are caught for food or sport
predator – an animal that eats the flesh of others
savanna – a grassy plain with sparse tree growth, found in tropical or subtropical regions
scrub forests – a low or stunted shrub or tree, or such plants collectively, or a large area covered with such growth
sedges – any of a large number of grass-like plants with solid stems, many of which grow in marshy areas
subspecies – a subdivision of a plant or animal species that shows differences from others of the same species, as a result of difference in geographical location or time period
talus – an accumulation of broken rocks and debris at the base of a cliff
terrestrial – living on or in the ground, rather than in trees, water or air
toxins – any of various similar poisons produced by plants or animals, such as the venom of some snakes
tufted – a cluster or clump of long strands that are attached at one end and loose at the other, as of yarn, hair, or grass
venomous – producing venom; able to inflict a poisonous bite or sting
wetlands – low-lying land saturated with moisture, such as a marsh or swamp
