Lions – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major terms and facts about lions: biology, behavior, habitat, diet, conservation status, and unique adaptations.

Panthera leo

The scientific name of the lion, a member of the cat family (Felidae).

Carnivore

An animal that eats only meat; lions are obligate carnivores.

Pride

A social family group of lions, typically containing up to about 30 individuals.

Lioness

An adult female lion; generally smaller than a male and responsible for most of the hunting.

Manes

The long, dark hair around a male lion’s neck that offers protection during fights and aids identification.

Cub

A baby lion; usually born in litters and nursed for six months.

Litter

A group of lion cubs born at the same time to one lioness.

Camouflage

The yellow-gold coat coloration that helps lions blend into grasslands while hunting.

Roar

A powerful vocalization used for communication; can be heard up to 8 km away.

Muscular body

Describes the lion’s strong build, enabling it to tackle large prey.

Powerful jaws

A lion’s strong jaw structure used to grip and kill prey.

Flexible legs

Limbs that allow lions to sprint quickly, though only for short distances.

Open plains

One of the preferred habitats of lions, offering space for stalking prey.

Thick bush

Dense vegetation where lions may rest or ambush prey.

Africa

The primary continent where most wild lions live today.

Asiatic lion

A small, endangered lion population found in India’s Gir Forest.

Vulnerable species

A conservation status indicating lions face a high risk of decline in the wild.

Endangered

A higher-risk status applied to the remaining Asiatic lions in India.

Poaching

Illegal hunting that threatens lion populations.

Trophy hunting

Killing lions for sport and display, contributing to population decline.

Habitat loss

Destruction of natural environments, reducing space and prey for lions.

Prey scarcity

Lack of sufficient food sources, forcing lions to broaden their diet.

Zebra

One of the primary large prey animals hunted by lions.

Wildebeest

A common large ungulate preyed upon by lions.

Rodents and reptiles

Smaller animals lions may eat when larger prey is scarce.

Teamwork hunting

Cooperative strategy where lionesses fan out and herd prey into an ambush.

Nocturnal hunting

Tendency of lionesses to hunt at dusk or night for better success.

Water dependence

Lions prefer daily drinking but can survive 4–5 days without water by consuming moisture from prey.

Enhanced night vision

Ability of lions to see about 5–6 times better than humans in low light.

Lifespan

About 10–15 years in the wild and up to 25 years in zoos.