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)
Deciduous

Trees that lose their leaves each year.

Decomposer

An organism (including bacteria, fungi, and some insects) that breaks down nonliving plants and animals into nutrients used by plants.

Deforestation

The process of destroying forest habitat(s).

Den

The home or dwelling of an animal, usually in the ground, a tree hollow, or a cave.

Desert

An area with little rain and often with hot daytime temperatures.

Dewlap

Loose skin on the lower neck of animals such as eland, rabbits, and iguanas.

Diet

The food an animal eats.

Digitigrade

Walking on the toes, or digits (such as elephants and rhinos).

Dimorphism

The differences in form, color, or structure between animals (or plants) of the same species.

Disperse

To scatter or spread widely, as in dispersing seeds.

Disruptive coloration

The particular way an animal's pattern of color and shading is arranged so that its size and shape appear to be different than its actual size and shape. See also <i>cryptic coloration.</i>

Diurnal

Awake and active during the day, asleep at night.

Domestic

Describing an animal kept by people as a pet, for work, or other reasons. Sheep and goats found on farms are domestic, those found in the wild are not.

Dominance/dominant

Having the most influence, usually in herd, group, or pack animals.

Dorsal

Referring to features on the back or along the spine of the animal.

Double clutching

Removing newly-laid egg(s) from a nest, sometimes causing the female to lay replacement eggs.

Down feathers

Soft feathers that provide insulation for birds.

Droppings

The dung, or fecal matter, of animals.

Drought

An extended time when little or no rain falls, causing a water shortage for plants and animals.