1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Animals / Wildlife
This zoology glossary contains a wide variety of terms and definitions. Its aim is to help you to understand the vast language that has developed for the study of animals. Terms in this category begin with the letter 'O'.

Zoology 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
Obligate
"Required; also, exhibited by all members of a species without exception." (Source: Sibley)
Old World
"The Eastern Hemisphere, including Africa, Eurasia, and Australia." (Source: Sibley)
Ondontocetes
A taxonomic suborder of toothed whales; this suborder includes sperm whales, white whales, porpoises, dolphins, and river dolphins.
Orbital Ring
"A fleshy ring around the eye; contrastingly colored in some species." (Source: Sibley)
Origin of the Universe
Origin of the Universe
Oscines
"One of two major subdivisions of the order Passeriformes. Oscines have a more complex syrinx and distinctive DNA patterns and middle ear bone shapes, and they generally must learn their most complex vocalizations." (Source: Sibley)
Osteichthyes
The class of fishes characterized by a swim bladder, bony skeletal systems, and an operculum.
Ostracum
The middle, shell building layer, of a snail's shell. Consists of prism-shaped calcium carbonate crystals and organic (proteid) molecules.
Oval
"Egg shape that is rounded at the largest end and tapered at the oterh end. Often used to describe the typical egg shape." (Source: Sibley)

Explore Animals / Wildlife

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Animals / Wildlife
  4. Zoology Glossary
  5. O

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.