1.
Adaptation
Definition: The process by which a species becomes better
suited to its environment.
Example: Chinyere noticed that the elephant's large ears are
an adaptation to help it cool down in the hot savannah.
2.
Biodiversity
Definition: The variety of life in a particular habitat or
ecosystem.
Example: The biodiversity of the Niger Delta includes various
species of birds, fish, and plants.
3.
Camouflage
Definition: The ability of an animal to blend in with its
surroundings to avoid detection.
Example: The chameleon uses camouflage to hide from predators
in the dense forest where Ayo studies wildlife.
4.
Carnivore
Definition: An animal that feeds primarily on other animals.
Example: The lion is a carnivore and preys on animals such as
zebras in the grasslands of Africa.
5.
Conservation
Definition: The protection and preservation of natural
resources and wildlife.
Example: Biodun joined a local conservation group to help
protect endangered species in Nigeria.
6.
Ecosystem
Definition: A community of interacting organisms and their
physical environment.
Example: The wetlands of Lagos are a vital ecosystem
supporting many species of birds and fish.
7.
Endangered
Definition: A species at risk of extinction due to various
factors.
Example: The Nigerian goat antelope is an endangered species
due to habitat loss.
8.
Extinction
Definition: The end of an organism or species as a result of
various factors.
Example: The extinction of the West African crocodile would
have serious impacts on the local ecosystem.
9.
Fauna
Definition: The animals of a particular region or habitat.
Example: The fauna of the Awhum Forest includes monkeys,
birds, and various insects.
10.
Flora
Definition: The plants of a particular region or habitat.
Example: The flora of the Obudu Plateau includes diverse
species of trees and shrubs.
11.
Habitat
Definition: The natural environment where an organism lives.
Example: The swampy habitat of the river crocodile provides
the perfect conditions for hunting and breeding.
12.
Herbivore
Definition: An animal that feeds mainly on plants.
Example: The giraffe is a herbivore and uses its long neck to
reach leaves high up in the trees.
13.
Migration
Definition: The seasonal movement of animals from one place to
another.
Example: Every year, the African wildebeest migration crosses
the Serengeti in search of greener pastures.
14.
Niche
Definition: The role or function of an organism or species
within an ecosystem.
Example: The role of bees in pollination is an important niche
in the ecosystem, supporting plant growth.
15.
Nocturnal
Definition: Active during the night.
Example: The bushbaby is a nocturnal animal, meaning it hunts
and feeds mostly at night.
16.
Omnivore
Definition: An animal that eats both plants and other animals.
Example: The baboon is an omnivore, feeding on fruits,
insects, and occasionally small mammals.
17.
Population
Definition: A group of individuals of the same species living
in a particular area.
Example: The population of elephants in Yankari National Park
is carefully monitored to ensure their survival.
18.
Predator
Definition: An animal that hunts other animals for food.
Example: The leopard is a predator that stalks and hunts
antelopes in the wild.
19.
Prey
Definition: An animal that is hunted and eaten by other
animals.
Example: The antelope is prey for lions and hyenas in the
African savannah.
20.
Protected Area
Definition: A designated region set aside for the conservation
of wildlife and natural resources.
Example: The Cross River National Park is a protected area
that safeguards various endangered species.
21.
Reproduction
Definition: The process by which animals produce offspring.
Example: The sea turtles lay eggs on the beach as part of
their reproductive cycle.
22.
Sanctuary
Definition: A safe place where wildlife can live without
disturbance.
Example: The Okomu National Park serves as a sanctuary for the
endangered forest elephants.
23.
Species
Definition: A group of organisms that can interbreed and
produce fertile offspring.
Example: The Nigerian dwarf goat is a species native to the
region, known for its small size and adaptability.
24.
Terrestrial
Definition: Relating to the land or ground.
Example: The giraffe is a terrestrial animal, spending most of
its time walking and feeding on land.
25.
Threatened
Definition: A species that is likely to become endangered in
the near future.
Example: The African wild dog is a threatened species due to
habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
26.
Trophic Level
Definition: The position an organism occupies in a food chain.
Example: In the food chain, lions are at the top trophic
level, being apex predators that hunt other animals.
27.
Understory
Definition: The layer of vegetation beneath the canopy of a
forest.
Example: The understory of the rainforest is rich with plants
and insects that provide food for many animals.
28.
Viviparous
Definition: Giving birth to live young rather than laying
eggs.
Example: Most mammals, including the African elephant, are
viviparous and give birth to live offspring.
29.
Wetland
Definition: An area where water covers the soil or is present
near the surface.
Example: The Hadejia-Nguru wetlands are crucial for bird
migration and support a diverse range of wildlife.
30.
Wildlife Corridor
Definition: A protected area that connects different habitats,
allowing animals to move between them.
Example: The wildlife corridor in the Mambilla Plateau helps
animals migrate between protected areas.
31.
Zooplankton
Definition: Small aquatic organisms that drift in water and
serve as food for larger animals.
Example: The zooplankton in the Lake Chad basin provides an
important food source for fish and other aquatic life.
32.
Habitat Fragmentation
Definition: The process of breaking up large habitats into
smaller, isolated patches.
Example: Habitat fragmentation in the Gashaka-Gumti National
Park threatens wildlife by isolating populations.
33.
Ecosystem Services
Definition: Benefits provided by ecosystems that help support
life, such as clean water and air.
Example: The forested areas of Nigeria provide ecosystem
services like air purification and climate regulation.
34.
Keystone Species
Definition: A species that has a disproportionately large
effect on its environment relative to its abundance.
Example: The African elephant is a keystone species because
its feeding habits shape the landscape and influence other species.
35.
Invasive Species
Definition: Non-native species that spread rapidly and cause
harm to the environment.
Example: The introduction of the water hyacinth to Nigerian
waterways is an invasive species problem affecting local aquatic life.
36.
Camouflage
Definition: The ability of an organism to blend into its
surroundings.
Example: The owl uses camouflage to blend in with the tree
bark, making it harder for predators to spot it.
37.
Foraging
Definition: The act of searching for and gathering food.
Example: During the dry season, the baboons are busy foraging
for fruits and insects in the savannah.
38.
Habitat Loss
Definition: The destruction or alteration of natural habitats,
leading to the decline of species.
Example: Deforestation in the Niger River basin is a major
cause of habitat loss for many wildlife species.
39.
Mutualism
Definition: A symbiotic relationship where both species
benefit.
Example: The relationship between bees and flowering plants is
an example of mutualism, where bees get nectar and plants get pollinated.
40.
Nesting
Definition: The process by which animals build nests to lay
eggs or raise young.
Example: The endangered African grey parrot builds nests in
tree hollows to lay its eggs.
41.
Oviparous
Definition: Animals that lay eggs, with embryos developing
outside the mother's body.
Example: The African crocodile is oviparous and lays its eggs
in sandbanks along the river.
42.
Predation
Definition: The act of one animal hunting and eating another.
Example: Predation by the cheetah on gazelles is a common
sight in the Serengeti plains.
43.
Reintroduction
Definition: The process of releasing captive-bred or relocated
animals into the wild.
Example: Reintroduction programmes are essential for bringing
the endangered rhinoceros back to their natural habitats.
44.
Seasonal Behaviour
Definition: Changes in animal behaviour according to the time
of year.
Example: The migration of birds like the barn swallow is an
example of seasonal behaviour driven by changing weather conditions.
45.
Social Structure
Definition: The organisation of individuals within a group or
society.
Example: The social structure of elephant herds is
matriarchal, with the oldest female leading the group.
46.
Symbiosis
Definition: A close and often long-term interaction between
two different species.
Example: The symbiosis between oxpeckers and rhinoceroses
benefits both, as the birds eat parasites from the rhinos' skin.
47.
Threat
Definition: Any factor that poses a risk to the survival of a
species.
Example: Poaching is a major threat to the survival of the
Nigerian chimpanzee.
48.
Wildlife Management
Definition: The practice of maintaining or restoring wildlife
populations and habitats.
Example: Effective wildlife management in the Gashaka-Gumti
National Park ensures the survival of various species.
49.
Adaptation
Definition: A characteristic that enhances an organism’s
ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Example: The thick fur of the Nigerian bush rat is an
adaptation to help it survive in cooler highland areas.
50.
Biomass
Definition: The total mass of organisms in a given area or
volume.
Example: The biomass of the fish population in the Niger River
is crucial for maintaining the aquatic ecosystem's balance.