A (23) | B (24) | C (45) | D (19) | E (25) | F (18) | G (15) | H (14) | I (14) | J (2) | K (3) | L (9) | M (15) | N (11) | O (10) | P (34) | Q (3) | R (22) | S (30) | T (14) | U (3) | V (9) | W (7) | Z (2)
Immobilization

A procedure where a veterinarian uses special drugs to anesthetize an animal so a closer look can be taken in a medical exam.

Imperiled

A species that is at risk of dying out.

Imprinting

A rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal, usually in the bird family, and establishes a behavior pattern involving recognition of and attraction to identifiable attributes of its own kind or of a substitute.

In situ

In the natural, or wild, location.

Inbreeding

Reproduction by the mating of closely related individuals.

Incubate

The process of keeping eggs warm in order to hatch them.

Indigenous

Naturally occurring in a particular place (area or country).

Insect

A small animal without a backbone. Its body is divided into three parts. Insects have three pairs of legs and usually two pairs of wings. Flies, ants, grasshoppers, and beetles are a few of the many kinds of insects.

Insectivore

An animal that eats insects. The tenrec is an insectivore.

Instinct

A way of acting or behaving that an animal is born with and does not have to learn. For example, birds build their nests by using their instinct.

Interpreter

A guide who shares interesting information about animals, plants, and more to a group of visitors.

Interpretive signs

Signs in zoos for visitors that help explain a plant, animal, or idea.

Introduced species

An animal that moves into a new area on its own, or with human help, and remains to live in the area.

Invertebrate

An animal that has no backbone. Insects, worms, and lobsters are invertebrates.