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Glossary TermGlossary Definition
anthropomorphicTo attribute human form or feelings to a non-human species or object.
anthropomorphismTo attribute human form or feelings to a non-human species or object
arthropodA very diverse phylum (a major grouping of animals) that includes crustaceans, insects and arachnids. All arthropods have paired jointed limbs and a hard external skeleton (exoskeleton).
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brachiationIn some primates, a method of locomotion when the animal swings hand over hand from branch to branch
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canidsA member of the canidae family (the dog family); which includes all living dogs, wolves, jackals and foxes
cannibalisticFeeding on other individuals of the same species
cephalopodFrom the Greek for ?head-foot?, a class of molluscs that occur only in marine habitats. All species have grasping tentacles, and either an internal or external shell. Includes nautiloids, cuttlefish, squids, octopuses, and extinct ammonites and belemnites
cephalopodsFrom the Greek for head-foot, a class of molluscs that occur only in marine habitats. All species have grasping tentacles, and either an internal or external shell. Includes nautiloids, cuttlefish, squids, octopuses, and extinct ammonites and belemnites.
Crocodilesscaly reptile
cyanobacteria A group of bacteria that are able to photosynthesise and contain the pigment chlorophyll. They used to be known as blue-green algae. They are thought to have been the first organisms to produce oxygen; fossil cyanobacteria have been found in 3000 million year old rocks. As they are responsible for the oxygen in the atmosphere they have played an essential role in influencing the course of evolution on this planet.
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echolocationDetecting objects by reflected sound. Used for orientation and detecting and locating prey by bats and cetacea (whales and dolphins).
electron microscopyA microscope capable of extremely high magnification, commonly used to view objects too small to be adequately seen through the usual (optical) microscope
entomologistPeople who study insects
ethologistThe scientific study of animal behavior considered as a branch of zoology
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monocultureThe destruction of a diverse ecosystem and replacement with a single species or crop. This is common practice in modern agriculture, where large acreages of crops are grown for sale to other regions or countries. Monocultures deplete the soil, and fruits and vegetables become more susceptible to pests and disease than those grown in a diverse crop environment, thus requiring larger amounts of chemical sprays.
mycologyThe scientific study of fungi (one of the taxonomic kingdoms, separate from plants and animals. They obtain nutrients by absorbing organic compounds from the surrounding environment)
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pupationThe process of becoming a pupa, the stage of an insects development, when huge changes occur that reorganise the larval form into the adult form. In butterflies the pupa is also called a chrysalis.
refugiumAn area, which due to its evolutionary history contains a wealth of biodiversity (genes, species and ecosystems).
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symbiotic Relationship in which two organisms form a close association, the term is now usually used only for associations that benefit both organisms (a mutualism).
techni-colourA process of making colour motion films using synchronized monochrome films, each of a different colour, which are later superimposed to produce a full colour print
key events heading
1896: Rough Sea at Dover
1928: Martin and Osa Johnson release Simba
1937: The Private Life of the Gannets receives Oscar
1955: First Zoo Quest
1959: Serengeti Darf Nicht Sterben wins Oscar
1962: First Animal Magic airs
1973: The Flight of the Snow Geese airs on US TV
1986: First Really Wild Show