ForestExplorersbackground.indd-WoodlandParkZoo.PDFVIP

TEACHER PACKET GLOSSARY (words in bold in the text) Adaptation: evolutionary change in body structure, function or behavior that helps an organism to survive in its environment Arboreal: refers to organisms that climb in or live in trees Arthropod: the phylum, Arthropoda, of invertebrate animals characterized by a hard exoskeleton and jointed appendages. Arthropods include insects, spiders, millipedes, centipedes and crustaceans. Bacteria: microscopic, unicellular organisms. Some bacteria in the soil help to break down organic matter. Basic needs: necessities for the survival of an organism: food, water, shelter, air and space Biodiversity: the relative abundance and number of living organism in a certain area. Biodiversity can refer to the diversity of genes in a species and the diversity of ecosystems on the planet. Broadleaf: a plant with broad, fl at leaves Browser: an animal that eats primarily shoots, twigs, buds and/or leaves of woody vegetation (shrubs and trees) Canopy: the top layer of vegetation in an ecosystem where leaves and branches of trees or shrubs shade the lower levels and may overlap Carnivore: an organism that kills and eats animals Carnivorous: refers to organisms that kill and eat animals Carrion: decaying fl esh of dead animals Climax: the fi nal stage of ecological succession in which the ecosystem is stable and species have reached a state of dynamic equilibrium Conifers: plants that reproduce by way of seed-bearing cones Conservation: the management of natural resources, including wildlife and habitats, to sustain resources for the future. Preservation, protection and wise use can all be a part of conservation practices. Deciduous: refers to plants that drop all of their leaves at one time once a year Decomposer: an organism that participates in the process of decomposition Decomposition: the process of breaking down matter into smaller