(for more about Power Words, clickhere)
aggressive(n. aggressiveness) Quick to fight or argue, or forceful in making efforts to succeed or win.
behaviorThe way a person or other organism acts towards others, or conducts itself.
biodiversity(short for biological diversity) The number and variety of species found within a localized geographic region.
colleagueSomeone who works with another; a co-worker or team member.
conservationThe act of preserving or protecting something. The focus of this work can range from art objects to endangered species and other aspects of the natural environment.
conservation biologistA scientist who investigates ways to help preserve ecosystems and especially species that are in danger of extinction.
dementiaA type of mental disorder caused by disease or injury that causes people to gradually lose all or part of their memory. It may start out temporary and build to a permanent condition where the ability to reason also is impaired.
dietThe foods and liquids ingested by an animal to provide the nutrition it needs to grow and maintain health.
diversity(in biology) A range of different life forms.
domestication (v. domesticate)The process of turning a wild plant or animal species into a tame version, which can take many generations. A domesticated animal is one that has been bred in captivity for food or as a pet. A domesticated plant is one usually farmed or used for landscaping.
earthwormA type of worm that lives in the soil. As it moves through soil, an earthworm creates burrows. These allow air and water to move more readily through the soil. The worms feed on decaying organic matter, which helps improve soil fertility.
ecosystemA group of interacting living organisms including microorganisms, plants and animals and their physical environment within a particular climate. Examples include tropical reefs, rainforests, alpine meadows and polar tundra.
endangeredAn adjective used to describe species at risk of going extinct.
extinction The permanent loss of a species, family or larger group of organisms.
habitatThe area or natural environment in which an animal or plant normally lives, such as a desert, coral reef or freshwater lake. A habitat can be home to thousands of different species.
Meso-America A region that spans from central Mexico through Belize and Guatemala into El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. The term is usually applied to the Native cultures that emerged in this region prior to its colonization by the Spanish.
niacin A micronutrient also known as vitamin B3. In humans, a niacin deficiency can cause a potentially fatal disease known as pellagra.
nixtamalization A process for treating corn or other grains with an alkaline solution often containing ash or lye. The process makes the grain easier to grind. It also can free up nutrients and improve flavor.
nutrientA vitamin, mineral, fat, carbohydrate or protein that a plant, animal or other organism requires as part of its food in order to survive.
nutrition(adj. nutritional) The healthful components (nutrients) in the diet such as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals that the body uses to grow and to fuel its processes.
omnivorous An adjective for animals whose diets includefoods from both plants and animals.
pellagra A disease caused by a lack of niacin (vitamin B3) or its precursor (tryptophan) in the diet. People with this disease may experience diarrhea, mental problems, skin problems or even death.
population(in biology) A group of individuals from the same species that lives in the same area.
pupA term given to the young of many animals, from dogs and mice to seals.
rangeThe full extent or distribution of something. For instance, a plant or animals range is the area over which it naturally exists.
rodentA mammal of the order Rodentia, a group that includes mice, rats, squirrels, guinea pigs, hamsters and porcupines.
siblingAn offspringthat sharesthe same parents (with its brother or sister).
solutionA liquid in which one chemical has been dissolved into another.
speciesA group of similar organisms capable of producing offspring that can survive and reproduce.
staple (in nutrition) A food that serves as a dominant source of calories for a community or species. In people, for instance, just three plants rice, corn (maize) and wheat account for roughly 60 percent of calories eaten (according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization). That makes these staples.
symptomA physical or mental indicator generally regarded to be characteristic of a disease. Sometimes a single symptom especially a general one, such as fever or pain can be a sign of any of many different types of injury or disease.
umbrella species A species used for making decisions about conservation. If one of these species is to be protected, its habitat will need protection. Such protection will have benefits for many other species within its community, or ecosystem.
vitaminAny of a group of chemicals that are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they either cannot be made by the bodyor cannot easily be made by the body in sufficient quantities.
wean (adj. and v. weaning) The process in young mammals of transitioning from a diet of mothers milk to other foods.
Originally posted here:
Wild hamsters raised on corn eat their young alive - Science News for Students (blog)
