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135 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
abiotic
a non-living factor in an environment ie. light, water, temperature.
aestivation
dormancy, generally seasonally
Accipiter
A hawk of the genus Accipiter, characterized by short wings and a long
tail.
arboreal
tree dweller
autotroph
an organism capable of manufacturing its own food by synthesis
of inorganic materials, as in photosynthesis.
Bergman's rule
among forms of a particular species, body size tends to be larger
in the cooler regions of its range and smaller in the warmer
regions.
brood
the offspring of a bird just hatched.
browse
(v) to eat the twigs and leaves of woody plants; (n) commonly used in
wildlife management to signify brushy plants utilized by deer.
buteo
Any of the various hawks of the genus Buteo, characterized by broad wings
and broad, rounded tails.
carapace
the upper or dorsal surface of a turtle’s shell.
carnivore
An animal belonging to the order Carnivora, including predominantly
meat-eating mammals.
carrion
the bodies of dead animals usually found in nature in a decaying state.
carrying capacity
The number of wildlife species that a given unit of habitat will
support without damage to the habitat.
cast
to regurgitate indigestible prey remains
circadian
designating a biological period of about 24 hours.
climax stage
the final stage of plant succession.
consumptive use
any use that involves activity resulting in the loss of wildlife i.e.
hunting.
contiguous forest
Forests that share an edge or boundary, touching
coverts
One or more of a group of feathers covering the bases of the longer main
feathers of a bird’s wings or tail.
covey
a small group or flock, often a family group, of birds such as quail.
crepuscular
appearing or becoming active at twilight or dawn.
clutch
eggs laid and incubated by a female bird per nesting.
corridor
areas of continuous habitat that permit animals to travel securely from
one habitat to another.
dabbling ducks
duck species that principally feed in shallow water by “tipping
up” or dabbling on the surface.
depredation
the act of preying upon. Mostly wildlife damage to farmer’s crops.
diurnal
A term used to describe an animal that is most active by day.
diving duck
duck species that feed principally by diving below the surface
dorsal
of or pertaining to the upper surface
dump nest
eggs deposited by more than one female in a single nest
edge
the place where two or more different plant communities, successional stages
or vegetative stages come together or meet.
endemic
confined to a certain area or region.
estivation
a state of inactivity during prolonged periods of drought or high
temperatures.
exotic
Not a native species. Was either introduced or escaped.
flyway
fly routes established by migratory birds.
food chain or web
the relationship between autotrophs, herbivores, and
carnivores.
forest game
Game species that are managed by the DNR whose habitat needs are
found mainly in forests. These species in Maryland include wild
turkey, ruffed grouse, gray and red foxes and squirrels.
furbearers
Various animals that have a thick coat of soft hair covering their
bodies. The Maryland DNR regulates the harvesting of 14 furbearing
species: beaver, bobcat (closed season), coyote, fisher, gray fox, longtailed
weasel, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter, raccoon, red
fox and skunk.
guard hairs
Long, coarse hairs that forms a protective coating over an animal’s
under fur.
harriers
Any of the various slender, narrow-winged hawks of the genus Circus,
which prey on small animals.
harvest
proportion or number of a wildlife population brought to bag by hunters;
in wildlife management, killing an animal.
herbivore
An animal that eats plants
herpetology
The scientific study of reptiles and amphibians as a branch of
Zoology.
hibernation
passing the winter or a portion of it in a state of sleep
indigenous
a naturally occurring species
insectivore
a mammal or organism that feeds on insects.
inventory
the process of counting or identifying animals
keel
a ridge down the back or along the plastron of a turtle or a longitudinal ridge
On a dorsal scale in certain snakes.
lateral
pertaining to the side
limiting factor
Anything that affects a species population. It could result from
causes in nature as well as human activities. Examples include
food, water, shelter, space, disease, predation, climatic conditions,
pollution, hunting, poaching and accidents.
litter
the number of young born with each birthing
mandibles
either the upper or lower part of the beak in birds
marsupial
either the upper or lower part of the beak in birds
melanistic
Abnormally dark pigmentation of the skin or other tissues. Black
pigmented.
molt
the process of shedding or replacing feathers
monogamous
term used when one male breeds with one female.
mortality
(death rate) – the number of animals that die each year.
natality
(birth rate) – ability of a population to increase; reproductive rate
niche
that part of a habitat particularly suited to the requirements of a given
species.
nocturnal
active by night; the opposite of diurnal.
nonconsumptive use
any use that does not directly kill wildlife, i.e.
bird watching, hiking, photography
omnivore
An animal or organism that feeds on both animal and plant matter.
ornithology
The scientific study of birds as a branch of zoology.
parasite
an organism that lives by deriving benefit (usually doing harm) from
another organism.
philopatry
annual homing to the same nesting area and often the same nest site.
polygamy or polygyny
term used when a male animal breeds with many females
passerine
Birds of the order Passeriformes, which include perching birds and
songbirds such as the jays, blackbirds, finches, warblers and sparrows.
pelage
The coat of a mammal, consisting of hair, fur, wool or other soft covering,
as distinct from bare skin.
population
the number of a particular species in a defined area.
population dynamics
factors regulating population levels including natality,
productivity and mortality.
plastron
The ventral surface of the shell of a turtle or tortoise.
recruitment
addition of a number of young to an adult population of breeders.
riparian area
the area of influence between upland habitats and aquatic habitats.
SAV
(submerged aquatic vegetation) – vascular plants that live and grow
completely underwater
scat
The excrement droppings of an animal.
species
populations of animals that possess common characteristics and freely
interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring
species richness
the number of wildlife species found in a given area.
taxonomy
the science of the classification of animals or plants.
torpor
temporary loss of all or part of the power of motion
upland game
Game species that are managed by the DNR whose habitat needs
are usually found in upland areas. These species in Maryland
include Eastern cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare (closed season),
bobwhite quail, ringneck pheasant, woodchuck and crow
trophic level
a feeding level in the food chain of an ecosystem characterized by
organisms that occupy a similar functional position in the ecosystem.
ventral
of or pertaining to the lower surface.
waterfowl
water birds, usually referring to ducks, geese and swans.
banger
an explosive cartridge that makes a loud bang to repel birds. The shell is often launched from a handheld pistol launcher, similar to a modified starter pistol. This is one of many "pyrotechnic" or fireworks-based repellents. Bangers can be used at medium range (50-100 ft.)
body gripping trap
usually a square, spring-loaded, lethal trap available in many sizes (some specialized models are round). The animal must pass through the jaws of trap to be captured. Ideally, this trap catches the animal directly behind the head, snapping the part of the spine that's in the upper third of the neck (the "cervical spine" area). This provides a quick death.
catchpole
a device used to capture and restrain an animal. Basically, this is a long stick with a noose (cabled loop) on one end. You place the loop over the animal's head, and then tighten the cable to hold the animal. (When capturing some species, such as bobcat, you'd place the loop over the animal's head and over one front leg.)
cervical dislocation
a killing method commonly referred to as "breaking the neck." The goal is to quickly separate the spinal cord from the brain to provide a fast and painless death. It's used primarily for small to medium-sized birds (duck sized or smaller) and small mammals, such as mice and rabbits.
decapitation
a killing method in which the head is quickly cut from the body. Like cervical dislocation, the goal is to quickly separate the spinal cord from the brain to provide a fast and painless death. It's used primarily for birds that are too large for cervical dislocation, such as geese, and sometimes for snakes
euthanasia
the word means "good death" and it describes a humane killing method that provides as painless a death as possible, specifically, by killing the animal quickly, or causing rapid unconsciousness, then rapid death
exclusion
techniques and products that prevent wildlife from entering an area, such as protective barrier fences, for example. Barriers do not change the nature of the site; they work by making the target inaccessible. There are many materials and designs for fences, including the popular wire mesh and electric fences. Birds are sometimes repelled by a grid of wires, called "post-and-wire grids."
exsanguination
known commonly as "bleeding out," this describes the cutting of the major blood vessels to rapidly drain blood from the body. This technique ensures death after an animal has been stunned into unconsciousness.
feral
describes a member of a domesticated species, such as a cat or dog, that lives and behaves like a wild animal
fledge
when a young bird leaves the nest. These young birds, called "fledglings," can fly but are still dependent on their parents for some, or all, of their food.
foothold trap
refers to a variety of traps that restrain animals by holding the foot. They may be used as live or lethal traps. Examples of foothold trap include the coilspring trap and the Lil' Grizz Get'rz® cylindrical trap, designed to selectively capture raccoons
home range
the area in which an animal (or a mated pair) lives, hunts, and mates throughout its life. Generally, this area is not defended. The animal doesn't necessarily use its whole home range every day. The home ranges of males and females of the same species may overlap, and a male's home range may include that of several females.
host
an animal or plant that provides nourishment or a protected home for another animal, such as a parasite, or a disease organism
humane
a practice or product that causes no unnecessary pain or stress for the animal to whom it's applied
IWDM
Integrated wildlife damage management (IWDM): a strategy for solving conflicts between humans and wildlife while reducing risks to people, wildlife, and the environment. IWDM focuses on reducing wildlife damage—not necessarily wildlife populations.
live trap
a trap that's meant to capture the animal without killing it. Includes a variety of traps, such as cage (box) traps, foothold traps, nets, multiple capture traps, and many bird traps. These traps are often made of wire or plastic and come in many sizes.
nestling
a young bird that's in the nest, under the care of adults, usually its parents. (Birds are "nestlings" after they hatch, for as long as they remain in the nest. Once they can fly and leave the nest, they're called "fledglings" for as long as their parents care for them.)
opportunist
an animal that will eat whatever's available, within reason. Animals that are opportunists are more likely to become nuisances because they adapt better to human conditions.
penetrating captive bolt
a killing device that forces a bolt into the brain of the animal, causing rapid unconsciousness and death. Captive bolt guns use either gunpowder or compressed air to propel the bolt through the skull. The animal must be adequately restrained to allow proper placement of the bolt
porcupine wire
a mechanical device intended to repel birds from landing on surfaces such as building ledges. It's made of sharp stainless steel prongs that stick out in many angles. The prongs are attached to a base for easy installation on ledges, roof peaks, window sills, and ornamental architectural features.
propane cannon
a mechanical device that makes a loud explosion to repel birds. This is one of many "pyrotechnic" or fireworks-based repellents. Unlike many other noisemakers, propane cannons can be used with a timer. Most of the other devices must be fired by a person.
prophylaxis
to try to prevent something from happening, usually, a treatment that protects someone from disease (such as a vaccine).
screamer
an explosive cartridge that makes a long, drawn out whistle to repel birds. They can be launched from a handheld pistol launcher or from a twelve-gauge shotgun. The shell flies out about 100 feet, screaming and whistling all the way. This is one of many "pyrotechnic" or fireworks-based repellents.
stunning
may be used for two different purposes: it may be intended to make the animal unconscious so another killing method may be used safely (called "stunning"), or it may be intended as a primary killing method, in which case it's usually referred to as a "lethal blow."
taking or take
"include pursuing, shooting, hunting, killing, capturing, trapping, snaring and netting... wildlife... and all lesser acts such as disturbing, harrying or worrying, or placing, setting, drawing or using any net or other device commonly used to take any such animal.
territory
an exclusive area that is often vigorously defended for a certain time. May be inhabited by an individual, a mated pair, or a group of animals. Territories may be defined by the way they're used, for example, a breeding territory, feeding territory, or nesting territory.
trapping
"means taking, killing and capturing wildlife with traps, deadfalls and other devices commonly used to take wildlife, and the shooting or killing of wildlife lawfully trapped
vector
an animal that can carry and transmit a disease agent from one animal to another. For example, mammals are vectors, or carriers, of rabies
zoonotic or zoonoses
diseases that people can catch from wildlife.
annuli
Darkened rings which indicate periods of slower horn growth; can be counted to measure animal's age.
bell or dewlap
a pendant of hair-covered skin that hangs from under the throat of an animal, e.g., the moose.
bovids
the common term for the family of animals named Bovidae, which includes hoofed animals that have horns which are never shed and are not branched. Horns are present on both sexes. This group includes the wildlife species bighorn and thinhorn sheep and mountain goat, and the domestic species cattle, sheep and goats
brow tine or tine
projection on an antler.
cervid
the common term for the family of animals named Cervidae, which includes hoofed mammals that have antlers. They are all ruminants. These include deer, elk, moose, and caribou.
deer family
hoofed mammals that have antlers. They are ruminants and have no upper incisors. These include the deer, elk, moose, and caribou
palmate
a shovel-horn type of antler characterized by broad up-reaching parallel palms, e.g., moose antler.
ruminant
an animal that has a four-chambered stomach. Their method of eating is called rumination; this is a process that permits an animal to forage and ingest food rapidly, then complete the chewing at a later time. When they forage and eat they chew their food and it enters one chamber of the stomach. Later while they are resting, they regurgitate their food, chew it a second time then swallow it again.
tarsal or metatarsal gland
tufted, discoloured hair patches found between the hock and the hoof on the inside of each hind leg in deer. These areas are a source of scent used for communication
ungulate
hoofed animals.
exotic species
Species from other countries not naturally found growing in Britain.
keystone species
A species critical to the operation of an ecosystem. These are often very difficult to determine, but one possible example is that of the field vole, the main prey of very wide predators of woodland edges and farmland, such as barn owls.
biodiversity
species diversity: the different types of plants, animals and other life forms within a region; An umbrella term to describe collectively the variety and variability of nature. It encompasses three basic levels of organization in living systems: the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
breeding bird census
A census program of the National Audubon Society in North America from 1937- 1984. The program is based on individual study plots established within a single habitat type. Over a period of years, these data provide insight into the changes occurring in the breeding birds within these communities.
colonial waterbirds
Colonial waterbirds include marine birds, gulls, terns, herons, egrets, storks, and other species that congregate to nest and are dependent upon aquatic habitats for feeding.
distribution
Geographical distribution: the natural arrangements of animals and plants in particular regions or districts.
endangered species
An organism in danger of disappearing from the earth if its situation is not improved. When its race has not been seen in the wild for over fifty years, we say that it is extinct. Those species that may soon become endangered are called threatened species. Rare animals are species with small populations that may also be at risk.
eutrophication
The aging process by which lakes are fertilized with nutrients. Natural eutrophication will very gradually change the character of a lake. Cultural eutrophication is the accelerated aging of a lake as a result of human activities.
human disturbance
A direct event, intentionally or unintentionally created by people, leading to a reaction of alertness; fright (obvious or inapparent); interruption of activities; flight, swimming, or other displacements; or death or disablement. The event may have long-term or short-term effects.
migratory birds
Those species that annually move from one region to another and back again for feeding or breeding.
NAAMP
North American Amphibian Monitoring Program amphibian population data are collected using a calling survey technique, in which observers identify local amphibian species by their unique vocalizations. Not all amphibian species make vocalizations, but many frogs and toads do. Observers are trained to identify their local species by these unique vocalizations or "frog calls".
PWRC
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
systematics
Systematics is the science of classifying organisms in regard to their natural relationships; deals with populations, species and higher taxa. See also taxonomy
terrestrial
Of or on the ground, of the habitat of a plant, on land as opposed to in water, or on the ground as opposed to on another plant.