P
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 'P'.
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
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
Paleozoic Era
Paleozoic Era
Paleozoic Era
Phanerozoic Eon
Phanerozoic Eon
Phanerozoic Eon
Paleoproterozoic
Paleoproterozoic
Paleoproterozoic
Proterozoic
Proterozoic
Proterozoic
Paleoarchean
Paleoarchean
Paleoarchean
Precambrian
Precambrian
Precambrian
Prokaryote
Prokaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles.
Prokaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles.
Palearctic
"The biogeographic region that includes Eurasia, northern Arabia, and Africa north of the Sahara." (Source: Sibley)
"The biogeographic region that includes Eurasia, northern Arabia, and Africa north of the Sahara." (Source: Sibley)
Pantropical
"Occurring throughout the tropical regions of the world." (Source: Sibley)
"Occurring throughout the tropical regions of the world." (Source: Sibley)
Partial Molt
"The replacement of feathers in only some of the body's feather tracts." (Source: Sibley)
"The replacement of feathers in only some of the body's feather tracts." (Source: Sibley)
Passerine
"A member of the order Passeriniformes, often referred to as a songbird." (Source: Sibley)
"A member of the order Passeriniformes, often referred to as a songbird." (Source: Sibley)
Patagium
A membrane of double-sided skin that forms the wing material in bats.
A membrane of double-sided skin that forms the wing material in bats.
PCBs
"Polychlorinated biphenyls, a class of chemicals used as lubricants and insulation materials and in printing ink." (Source: Sibley)
"Polychlorinated biphenyls, a class of chemicals used as lubricants and insulation materials and in printing ink." (Source: Sibley)
Pectinate
"Having tooth-like projections similar to the teeth of a comb." (Source: Sibley)
"Having tooth-like projections similar to the teeth of a comb." (Source: Sibley)
Peep
"General name for several small sandpiper species in the genus Calidris." (Source: Sibley)
"General name for several small sandpiper species in the genus Calidris." (Source: Sibley)
Pelagic
"Associated with deep waters of the open ocean." (Source: Sibley)
"Associated with deep waters of the open ocean." (Source: Sibley)
Pellet
"A mass of indigestible material including fur, feathers, and bones regurgitated by hawks, owls, herons, and other predatory birds." (Source: Sibley)
"A mass of indigestible material including fur, feathers, and bones regurgitated by hawks, owls, herons, and other predatory birds." (Source: Sibley)
Pentaradial Symmetry
A type of radial symmetry, characteristic of echinoderms, in which body parts are arranged along five rays of symmetry.
A type of radial symmetry, characteristic of echinoderms, in which body parts are arranged along five rays of symmetry.
Periostracum
The outermost layer of a snail's shell. Consists of conchin (a mixture of organic compounds), gives the shell color.
The outermost layer of a snail's shell. Consists of conchin (a mixture of organic compounds), gives the shell color.
Pineal Eye
Third eye in the forehead of tuataras and many lizards that can register light intensity and may help to regulate body temperature.
Third eye in the forehead of tuataras and many lizards that can register light intensity and may help to regulate body temperature.
Plankton
Plankton are microscopic organisms that drift on the oceans' currents. They include organisms such as diatoms, dinoflagillates, krill, and copepods as well as the microscopic larva of crustaceans, sea urchins, and fish.
Plankton are microscopic organisms that drift on the oceans' currents. They include organisms such as diatoms, dinoflagillates, krill, and copepods as well as the microscopic larva of crustaceans, sea urchins, and fish.
Plastron
The shell or shield on the ventral surface (belly) of tortoises and turtles.
The shell or shield on the ventral surface (belly) of tortoises and turtles.
Predator
An organism that feeds on other organisms (prey).
An organism that feeds on other organisms (prey).
Preen Gland
"The source of the oil that a preening bird rubs on its feathers to maintain them in good condition; located on the lower back near the rump." (Source: Sibley)
"The source of the oil that a preening bird rubs on its feathers to maintain them in good condition; located on the lower back near the rump." (Source: Sibley)
Proboscis
Long snout or mouthparts.
Long snout or mouthparts.
Pulmonate
Terrestrial snails belong to a group within the Order Stylommatophora called the 'pulmonates'.
Terrestrial snails belong to a group within the Order Stylommatophora called the 'pulmonates'.