Zoobot

Operculum

The hard covering that covers and protects the gills of fish.

Ventricle

The part of the vertebrate heart that pumps blood.

Cerebellum

The part of the vertebrate brain that controls movement and coordination.

Oviparity

Eggs are produced with a shell and laid outside of the body.

Viviparity

Eggs are produced without a shell and are maintained within the body.

Ovoviviparity

Eggs are produced with shells and maintained within the body.

Pulmonary circulation

Circulation from the heart to the lungs and back.

Systemic circulation

Circulation from the heart to the tissues/systems of the body and back.

Cutaneous respiration

Exchange of gas through the skin.

Pulmonary respiration

Exchange of gas through the lungs.

Ectothermic

Cold-blooded; unable to maintain a constant internal temperature—temperature the same as that of the surrounding environment.

Endothermic

Warm-blooded; able to maintain a constant internal temperature.

Counter-current flow

Blood flows toward the head and oxygen towards the gills.

Cloaca

External opening in certain vertebrates for reproduction and for eliminating wastes.

Autotomy

The ability of certain animals to re-grow their tail.

Sternum

The bone that is the attachment point of the flight muscles in birds.

Rumen

First chamber of the stomach of certain mammals that contain symbiotic bacteria that help break down food.

Cecum

A chamber that branches from the small intestine of certain mammals that acts as a fermentation chamber to help digest food.

Placenta

An organ in the reproductive system of mammalian females that serves as a junction box to deliver gases and nutrients to the developing fetus and to remove wastes from the fetus.

Keratin

A protein that forms the feathers of birds.

Down feathers

Soft insulating feathers of birds.

Contour feathers

Larger feathers that provide coloration and flight for birds.

Precocial young

Young that come from eggs that incubate for a long time and upon hatching are active right away and can feed themselves.

Altricial young

Young that hatch from eggs and upon hatching are blind, naked, and can’t feed themselves.

Incisors

Flat teeth at the front of the mouth that are used to bite off chunks.

Canine teeth

Sharp pointed teeth that are used for ripping, tearing, and or puncturing.

Molars

Broad flat teeth that are used for grinding food.