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| antibiotic - substance derived from fungi or other organisms and used to destroy or prevent the growth of bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. | |
| arid - extremely dry, especially from lack of rainfall. | |
| carnivores - an animal that eats the flesh of other animals. | |
| chaparrals - a low, dense growth of shrubby oaks and brush, especially in the American Southwest. | |
coniferous
- bearing
cones, or pertaining to plants that do so.
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deciduous
- having
leaves that drop off each year. |
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| 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 is likely to become endangered in the future. This list was established by the Endangered Species Act (ESA)of 1973. The purpose of the ESA is to protect the species on the list and preserve their habitats. | |
forbs
- broad-leaved, nonwoody, herbaceous (has the characteristics
of an herb, including having a soft, nonwoody stem) plants. Many forbs
are valued as a food for wildlife, and livestock even prefer them
to grasses. 
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| habitat - the natural environment of an animal or plant. An animal may suffer if it is 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 Geese migrate to the south when the weather gets cold. |
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| mottled - blotched or spotted with varying colors or shades. | |
| nocturnal - active at night. | |
| ornithologist - someone who studies birds. | |
| paralysis - a loss of feeling in or the ability 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. | |
| predators - 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.
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| sedges - any of a large number of grasslike 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.
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| 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.
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