IELTS Vocabulary List: Animals & Birds
Habitat
Definition: The natural environment where an animal or bird lives.
Example: Wetlands serve as a crucial habitat for many migratory birds.
Territory
Definition: An area that an animal defends against others of the same species.
Example: Male tigers mark their territory with scent to ward off rivals.
Savanna
Definition: A grassy plain in tropical and subtropical regions, with few trees.
Example: African elephants roam the vast savannas in search of food.
Arctic
Definition: A polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth.
Example: Polar bears are uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
Reef
Definition: A ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea.
Example: The Great Barrier Reef is home to a diverse range of marine species.
Rainforest
Definition: A dense forest rich in biodiversity, found typically in tropical areas with consistent heavy rainfall.
Example: The Amazon rainforest is teeming with unique wildlife.
Desert
Definition: A barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs.
Example: Camels have adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment.
Canopy
Definition: The upper layer of the forest, formed by mature tree crowns.
Example: Many birds make their nests in the forest canopy where they are safe from predators.
Wetland
Definition: Land consisting of marshes or swamps; saturated land.
Example: Wetlands are vital habitats for amphibians such as frogs and toads.
Coral
Definition: Marine invertebrates that build large, intricate structures known as coral reefs.
Example: Coral reefs provide shelter for a multitude of fish species.
Migration
Definition: Seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.
Example: Monarch butterflies undertake a remarkable migration journey from North America to Mexico.
Foraging
Definition: The act of searching for food and provisions.
Example: Squirrels spend a lot of time foraging for nuts to store for winter.
Predation
Definition: The preying of one animal on others.
Example: Predation is a crucial component of the natural balance in ecosystems.
Nocturnal
Definition: Active during the night.
Example: Owls are nocturnal hunters, relying on their excellent night vision.
Territorial
Definition: Behaviors that animals exhibit to defend their territory.
Example: Many birds become territorial during the breeding season to protect their nests.
Hibernation
Definition: A state of inactivity and metabolic depression in endotherms.
Example: Bears enter hibernation to survive the winter months without food.
Mating Ritual
Definition: A set of behaviors animals perform to attract a mate.
Example: The elaborate mating ritual of peacocks involves fanning their colorful tail feathers.
Grazing
Definition: Feeding on grass or other low vegetation.
Example: Zebras spend much of their day grazing on the African plains.
Scavenging
Definition: Searching for and feeding on dead animal matter.
Example: Vultures play an important role in the ecosystem by scavenging on carcasses.
Camouflage
Definition: The ability of an animal to blend into its surroundings.
Example: Chameleons can change their color for camouflage to avoid predators.
Plumage
Definition: A bird's feathers collectively.
Example: The peacock's plumage is one of the most striking in the animal kingdom.
Fur
Definition: The thick hair that covers the skin of many mammals.
Example: Arctic foxes have thick fur to keep them warm in freezing temperatures.
Gills
Definition: Respiratory organs of fish and some amphibians.
Example: Fish use their gills to extract oxygen from water.
Talon
Definition: A claw, especially one belonging to a bird of prey.
Example: Eagles use their sharp talons to catch and hold onto their prey.
Muzzle
Definition: The projecting part of the face, including the nose and mouth, of an animal.
Example: The dog's muzzle was wet after drinking water.
Pouch
Definition: A sac-like structure characteristic of marsupials.
Example: Kangaroo mothers carry their young in a pouch until they are old enough to survive on their own.
Fins
Definition: Limbs of fish and some aquatic animals used for movement.
Example: Dolphins navigate through water using their dorsal fins.
Beak
Definition: The hard, pointed part of a bird's mouth.
Example: Parrots use their beaks to crack open seeds and nuts.
Hooves
Definition: The horny part of the foot of an ungulate animal.
Example: Horses have strong hooves that allow them to run quickly.
Wingspan
Definition: The distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing when the wings are fully extended.
Example: The wingspan of an albatross can reach up to 12 feet.
Endangered
Definition: At risk of extinction.
Example: The giant panda is an endangered species due to habitat loss.
Conservation
Definition: The protection and preservation of natural environments and wildlife.
Example: Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting endangered species.
Poaching
Definition: Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals.
Example: Poaching threatens the survival of many African elephant populations.
Biodiversity
Definition: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Example: Rainforests are known for their incredible biodiversity.
Habitat Destruction
Definition: The process by which natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species.
Example: Urbanization is a leading cause of habitat destruction.
Species Recovery
Definition: Efforts to restore populations of endangered species to healthy levels.
Example: Species recovery programs have helped increase the population of the bald eagle.
Extinction
Definition: The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct.
Example: The dodo bird is a well-known example of human-caused extinction.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Definition: A protected area where animals can live safely.
Example: Wildlife sanctuaries provide a haven for species that are at risk.
Marine Protected Area (MPA)
Definition: A region of the ocean designated for conservation and protection of marine life.
Example: MPAs help safeguard marine ecosystems from overfishing and pollution.
Rehabilitation
Definition: The process of restoring an animal to health and, if possible, returning it to the wild.
Example: Wildlife rehabilitation centers care for injured or orphaned animals.
Camouflage
Definition: An adaptation that allows animals to blend in with certain aspects of their environment.
Example: The leaf-tailed gecko uses camouflage to hide from predators.
Mimicry
Definition: The resemblance of one species to another species in order to gain an advantage.
Example: The viceroy butterfly uses mimicry to resemble the toxic monarch butterfly, deterring predators.
Hibernation
Definition: A strategy used by some animals to survive long periods of cold temperatures.
Example: During hibernation, a bear's metabolic rate slows down significantly.
Migration
Definition: Seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.
Example: Many bird species undertake long migrations to find food and breeding grounds.
Nocturnality
Definition: Active during the night and asleep during the day.
Example: Owls are nocturnal hunters, relying on their keen night vision to catch prey.
Echolocation
Definition: The use of sound waves to determine the location of objects.
Example: Bats use echolocation to navigate and find food in the dark.
Thermoregulation
Definition: The process by which animals maintain their body temperature within certain boundaries.
Example: Lizards bask in the sun to thermoregulate and stay warm.
Molting
Definition: The process of shedding old feathers, hair, or skin to make way for new growth.
Example: Birds molt their feathers to replace old or damaged ones.
Bioluminescence
Definition: The production and emission of light by a living organism.
Example: Some species of jellyfish use bioluminescence to attract prey.
Symbiosis
Definition: Any type of a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.
Example: Clownfish and sea anemones exhibit symbiosis, benefiting each other.