SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
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©2002 Busch Entertainment Corporation.
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VocabularyADAPTATION(S): a behavior or body structure which makes an organism more successful in
its habitat ALBINO: a plant or animal lacking normal pigmentation. Albino animals typically have
milky or translucent skin, white or colorless hair, and pink or blue eyes BEHAVIOR: the actions or reactions of animals to circumstances CAPTIVE BREEDING: managed breeding of animals in a protective facility in order to
increase the species' total population CARNIVORE: a flesh-eating animal CITES: the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna.
An international treaty developed in 1973 to regulate trade in all wildlife species CIVET: a solitary, nocturnal dog-sized omnivore that resembles a raccoon; a member of
the family Viverridae CONSERVATION: using habitats, resources, animals and plants wisely, so as to save them
for future generations DEFORESTATION: the process of clearing away trees and sometimes whole forests DISPERSE: to move away from a fixed area DISRUPTIVE COLORATION: color patterns or markings that break up an animal's body shape
to help conceal and camouflage it DISTRIBUTION: the geographical occurrence of a plant or animal ENDANGERED: in danger of extinction throughout (all or a significant portion of) its
range if current trends affecting its population continue ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT: a federal law that strives to prevent extinction of species as
a consequence of economic growth and development ENVIRONMENT: the external surroundings in which an organism lives ESTRUS: a recurring period in most female mammals when mating may take place EXTINCT: no longer existing FLEHMEN: a grimace and lip curl associated with smelling urine GESTATION: the period of pregnancy HABITAT: any arrangement of space, food, water, and shelter suitable for the survival
and reproduction of an organism HOME RANGE: the area on which an animal normally travels and lives INTRASEXUSAL TERRITORIES: territories excluding individuals of the same sex, but not
individuals of the opposite sex JACOBSON'S ORGAN: a chemical detecting organ in the roof of an animal's that receives
and interprets scents LEUCOCYSTIC: having an increased amount of white pigmentation due to reduced or lack of
other pigments in skin, feathers, hair, or other tissues MARKING FLUID: a chemically-modified urine sprayed by tigers to scent mark their home
ranges MELANISTIC: having an increased amount of black or nearly black pigmentation in the
skin, feathers, hair, or other outer tissues MIGRATION: seasonal movements from one location to another for feeding or breeding NOCTURNAL: active at night POACHING: unlawful hunting, fishing, or collecting POPULATION: a group of plants or animals of the same species that live in the same area
and have the opportunity to breed with each other PREDATOR: an animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals PREY: (v) to hunt and eat other animals; (n) an animal eaten by another animal PRUSTEN: a short, noisy, low-intensity sound used by tigers as a friendly greeting or
reassuring call PUGMARK: an animal's footprint SPECIES: a group of organisms that closely resemble one another, that interbreed under
natural conditions, and produce fertile offspring TAPETUM LUCIDUM: a layered structure at the back of the eye that helps increase night
vision in some animals TERRITORY: the section of an animal's home range that is defended from intruders VESTIGIAL: a body part that is reduced in size or imperfectly developed |
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SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database ©2002 Busch Entertainment Corporation. |