L
This collection of terms and their definitions should help as you try to understand the vast language that has developed for the study of animals. Terms in this category begin with the letter 'L'.
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Please refer to the Glossary Citations page for details about sources used for glossary entries.
Glossary index: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Please refer to the Glossary Citations page for details about sources used for glossary entries.
Labial
Pertaining to the lips.
Pertaining to the lips.
Lanceolate
"A long, slender shape like a thin leaf." (Source: Sibley)
"A long, slender shape like a thin leaf." (Source: Sibley)
Larva
Immature form of some animals that undergo radical transformation to attain the adult form.
Immature form of some animals that undergo radical transformation to attain the adult form.
Lateral
Pertaining to the side.
Pertaining to the side.
Lek
"Associated with an extreme for of polygyny (lekking) in which males gather in tiny territories to display to visiting females, who select males for copulation." (Source: Sibley)
"Associated with an extreme for of polygyny (lekking) in which males gather in tiny territories to display to visiting females, who select males for copulation." (Source: Sibley)
Life Cycle
A series of stages through which an animal develops as it progresses from birth to reproductive maturity.
A series of stages through which an animal develops as it progresses from birth to reproductive maturity.
Lift
"An aeorodynamic force that moves a bird off the ground and keeps it in the air; produced by air moing around and past the airfoil formed by the wings." (Source: Sibley)
"An aeorodynamic force that moves a bird off the ground and keeps it in the air; produced by air moing around and past the airfoil formed by the wings." (Source: Sibley)
Littoral
"A shallow-water habitat found immediately along the coasts or edges of lakes and oceans." (Source: Sibley)
"A shallow-water habitat found immediately along the coasts or edges of lakes and oceans." (Source: Sibley)
Live-Bearing
Of an animal that gives birth to nonates, rather than lays eggs
Of an animal that gives birth to nonates, rather than lays eggs
Loafing Platform
"A nest-like structure built by coots and waterfowl where young can rest out of the water." (Source: Sibley)
"A nest-like structure built by coots and waterfowl where young can rest out of the water." (Source: Sibley)
Lores
"The area between the eyes and the base of the bill." (Source: Sibley)
"The area between the eyes and the base of the bill." (Source: Sibley)
Lung
An internal chamber specialized for gas exchange in an animal.
An internal chamber specialized for gas exchange in an animal.