A (23) | B (24) | C (45) | D (19) | E (25) | F (18) | G (15) | H (14) | I (14) | J (2) | K (2) | 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)
Camouflage

The color or pattern of an animal's covering that is similar to the animal's surroundings, and therefore helps hide it. May also be related to smell, as in lions rolling in elephant dung to camouflage their scent.

Canine

An animal taxonomic group that includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals.

Canine teeth

In mammals, the teeth next to the incisors that are used for holding prey and/or tearing meat.

Canopy

The second-highest, spreading, branchy layer of trees in a rain forest.

Captive propagation

The encouragement of breeding and reproduction among animals (particularly endangered ones) in a protected, captive setting for conservation purposes.

Captivity

The maintenance of animals not in the free, wild state.

Carapace

The shell covering the back (top) of a turtle, crab, or other animal.

Carcass

A dead body. Tasmanian devils and vultures are some of the many animals that feed on a carcass.

Carnivore

A meat-eating animal; one who eats the flesh of other animals.

Carnivore diet

Carnivore diet consists mostly of ground beef and beef heart. It also contains additional amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. 61.8 tons of carnivore diet are used in one year at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Carrion

The remains of a dead animal that is then eaten by other animals, such as vultures and hyenas.

Casque

An enlargement of the back surface of the upper bill of a hornbill bird.

Caudal

Referring to the tail.

Cay

A small, low island or emergent reef of sand or coral.

Cell

The tiny, basic unit of all living matter.

Chelonian

A turtle or tortoise.

Chromosomes

Located in the nucleus of each cell of an organism, these structures carry the genes, or genetic information, of the individual.

Chrysalis

A protective covering for an insect pupa or for the pupa of a butterfly.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna)

An agreement between more than 85 countries that protects wild species, alive or dead, from being exported or imported. Anyone who violates the laws of this agreement faces severe penalties, including fines or jail time.

Claws

The <i>fingernails</i> of an animal, such as a bear or cat. They help to grab prey. In birds, they're called <i>talons.</i>

Cloaca

A body opening that serves both for excretion and for the reproductive organs in reptiles, amphibians, and birds, as well as many fish and some invertebrates.

Clutch

The number of eggs produced or incubated at one time by an animal.

Cocoon

A silky covering spun by the larvae of many insects, such as silkworms, that protects them while they are in the pupal stage.

Cold-blooded

An animal whose body temperature changes with the temperature of the air or water around it, as a turtle or fish.

Colony

A group of the same kind of animal species living together.

Colostrum

Milk fluid of mammals formed during the first few days after giving birth. It is particularly rich in proteins, including antibodies.

Communicate/communication

To exchange information using symbols, signs, actions, or vocal sounds/The act of exchanging information.

Community

A group of living things that are generally found together within an ecosystem.

Competition

A situation that occurs when living things occupying the same area need the same resources for survival.

Compost

A mix of decaying plants and other organic matter added to soil in order to enrich the soil for planting.

Conditioning

Training an animal to accept a certain pattern of behavior.

Coniferous

A cone-producing tree or shrub with needle-like leaves.

Conservation

The wise use, care, and protection of natural resources, including plants and animals.

Conspecific

Of the same species.

Constrict

To squeeze.

Constrictor

A snake that kills its prey by grabbing the animal and quickly wrapping two or three coils around it. The force of constriction (squeezing) prevents the prey from breathing, and it usually dies within seconds. The snake can then relax its grip and swallow.