biodiversity: (short for biological diversity) The number and variety of species found within a localized geographic region.
biologist: A scientist involved in the study of living things.
carrion: The dead and rotting remains of an animal.
citizen science: Scientific research in which the public — people of all ages and abilities — participate. The data that these citizen “scientists” collect helps to advance research. Letting the public participate means that scientists can get data from many more people and places than would be available if they were working alone.
colleague: Someone who works with another; a co-worker or team member.
crow: (in biology) A type of large black bird with a complex social structure that perches in trees and is known for its boisterous call.
defense: (in biology) A natural protective action taken or chemical response that occurs when a species confronts predators or agents that might harm it. (adj. defensive)
ecologist: A scientist who works in a branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
hatchling: A young animal that recently emerged from its egg.
irony: A phrase, expression or action that seems to counter what had been stated or had been expected.
phenomenon: Something that is surprising or unusual.
plastic: Any of a series of materials that are easily deformable; or synthetic materials that have been made from polymers (long strings of some building-block molecule) that tend to be lightweight, inexpensive and resistant to degradation. (adj.) A material that is able to adapt by changing shape or possibly even changing its function.
prey: (n.) Animal species eaten by others. (v.) To attack and eat another species.
vegetation: Leafy, green plants. The term refers to the collective community of plants in some area. Typically these do not include tall trees, but instead plants that are shrub height or shorter.
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