A C1-level set of 35 advanced English words for precise animal anatomy, behavior, and conservation vocabulary beyond everyday usage.
Free Animals vocabulary flashcards at the C1 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and use these words precisely, including nuance most learners miss.
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plumage
the feathers of a bird, especially their color and pattern
brood
a group of baby birds that hatch and are raised together
carcass
the body of an animal after it has died
exoskeleton
the hard outer covering that supports and protects an insect's body
gestation
the period of time during which a baby animal develops before it is born
pheromone
a chemical signal that an animal releases to communicate with others of its species
carapace
the hard upper shell that protects a turtle's body
antler
a branching bone that grows from the head of a deer
flank
the side of an animal's body, between the ribs and the hip
quill
a sharp hollow spine that grows on a porcupine's body
omnivore
an animal that eats both plants and meat
sanctuary
a protected place where wild animals are kept safe from hunters and other dangers
poacher
a person who hunts protected animals illegally
spawn
the eggs laid by fish and other water animals
incisor
a sharp front tooth used for cutting food
underbelly
the lower part of an animal's body, close to the ground
membrane
a thin flexible layer of skin found on certain parts of an animal's body
hatchling
a young animal that has just come out of its egg
to wean
to gradually stop a young animal from feeding on its mother's milk
to bask
to lie in a warm, sunny place in order to relax
to prowl
to move around quietly while searching for prey
to nuzzle
to gently rub against something using the nose
to nestle
to settle into a warm, comfortable, and close position
to secrete
to produce and release a liquid substance from the body
to regurgitate
to bring swallowed food back up from the stomach
to rear
to care for and raise a young animal until it is grown
to slither
to move smoothly across a surface with a twisting motion
diurnal
active mainly during the day rather than at night
feral
wild and untamed, no longer living under human care
prehensile
able to grip things firmly, often by wrapping around them
voracious
having an extremely large and eager appetite for food
sluggish
moving slowly and with very little energy
stealthy
moving carefully and quietly to avoid being noticed
skittish
easily startled and quick to run away
hardy
able to survive very difficult living conditions