V
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 'V'.
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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.
Vane
"The flat portion of the feather extending off the rachis of the shaft; the feather webbing." (Source: Sibley)
"The flat portion of the feather extending off the rachis of the shaft; the feather webbing." (Source: Sibley)
Vagrant
"An individual bird that appears in an area well outside the known range for that species." (Source: Sibley)
"An individual bird that appears in an area well outside the known range for that species." (Source: Sibley)
Vena Cava
One of the two large veins that return blood to the heart from the systemic circulation of vertebrates.
One of the two large veins that return blood to the heart from the systemic circulation of vertebrates.
Ventral Scale
Scale on the underside of a snake's body (usually broader than other scales).
Scale on the underside of a snake's body (usually broader than other scales).
Ventral
Pertaining to the belly or underparts.
Pertaining to the belly or underparts.
Vertebral
Along the center of the back.
Along the center of the back.
Vertebrata
A subphylum of chordates. Members of this subphylum have cartilaginous or bony vertebrae that surround a nerve cord and a skull that protects the brain.
A subphylum of chordates. Members of this subphylum have cartilaginous or bony vertebrae that surround a nerve cord and a skull that protects the brain.
Vestigal
Pertaining to the part of an animal that is in the process of being lost in the course of evolution and is small, imperfectly formed, and serves little or no function.
Pertaining to the part of an animal that is in the process of being lost in the course of evolution and is small, imperfectly formed, and serves little or no function.
Viscera
The internal organs, especially those of the great central body cavity.
The internal organs, especially those of the great central body cavity.
Vocal Sac
Soft, baglike structure that inflates and acts as a resonator, amplifying the mating calls of some male frogs and toads.
Soft, baglike structure that inflates and acts as a resonator, amplifying the mating calls of some male frogs and toads.