Puffins

Adaptation

The process by which a species becomes more fit for its environment over the course of several generations. It is a result of natural selection.

Beak

The extended jaw of a bird (also known as a bill).

Bergmann's Rule

A scientific theory describing how warm-blooded animals are smallest near the equator and largest near the poles.

Bird

A group of endothermic (warm-blooded) vertebrates that have wings and feathers and also lay eggs!

Camouflage

The ability for an organism to blend into their surroundings usually to hide from prey or predators.

Carnivore

An animal that eats other animals.

Countershading

A type of camouflage characterized by the back of the animal being darker than the belly of the animal.

Creche

A gathering of offspring cared for by multiple adults.

Nest

A structure made by birds (and other animals) used as a shelter.

Predator

An animal that hunts other animals for food.

Preen

[Of birds] cleaning and organizing feathers with its beak.

Prey

An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.

Southern Hemisphere

The region south of the equator.

Species

A closely related group of animals with similar characteristics that are capable of reproducing (example: tigers).

Toboggan

[For penguins] Sliding across snow or ice on its belly.

Warm-Blooded

An animal that regulates their body temperature internally (mammals and birds). Also known as endothermic.