ZebroidA hybrid animal that results from breeding zebras and horses. ZeugenA table-shaped area of rock found in arid and semi-arid areas formed when more resistant rock is reduced at a slower rate than softer rocks around it under the effects of wind erosion. ZonalMovement of wind or ocean waters in a direction that is roughly parallel to the lines …
YardangRock that has developed a streamline form because of wind erosion. The long axis of these features is aligned with the dominant wind direction. Y-axisVertical axis on a graph. YearlingAn animal that is in its second year of life. A spike bull elk, for example, is a yearling that is 1 1/2 years old in the …
X-AxisHorizontal axis on a graph. X-Chromosome (biology)One of the sex chromosomes. XenograftTissue or organs from an individual of one species transplanted into or grafted onto an organism of another species, genus, or family. A common example is the use of pig heart valves in humans. XenolithA piece of country rock found engulfed in an intrusion. XerophytePlant …
WadiSteep-sided valley or ravine in desert and semi-arid areas. Usually only contain streams during flash-floods associated with heavy storm events. WarblesSmall, worm-like parasites (the larvae of the warble fly) often found beneath the skin of rabbits. Warbles are small hard nodules produced by the larva of a fly that has penetrated the skin. Warm frontThe front edge of a body of warm air …
ValleyA low place between mountains. (see more about valleys) Valley GlacierA glacier that forms in a mountain valley (a type of Alpine glacier) Vapor (water)Water in the gaseous state. Varmint Rifle (hunting)A sporting rifle with a heavy barrel, designed for long-range small-game hunting, firing high-velocity, flat-trajectory bullets. VegetationA general term for all of the plants or plant life of a particular region. VelocityThe speed of …
UltramaficRock that is rich in magnesium and iron content. UnconsciousInterruption of awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings, lack of the ability to notice or respond to stimuli in the environment. A person may become unconscious due to oxygen deprivation, shock, or injury. UnderstoryThe level of the rain forest just below the canopy. UpdraftUpward movement of air. Updrift (ocean)The …
TailwaterThe downstream section of a river or stream found below a large man-made dam. The most productive tailwaters are from bottom-discharge dams, making the water relatively cold and constant in temperature. Take Down BowA long bow or recurve that can be taken apart for transportation usually in 2 or 3 pieces. TapewormA worm that is flattened like a tape measure and …
Sabot (hunting)A bullet encased in a plastic jacket that falls away when the bullet is fired. In this scenario, a .223 bullet can be fired from a .30-06, and a copper jacketed bullet can be fired from a muzzleloader. Saddle Carbine (hunting)A short-barreled rifle made specifically to fit into a scabbard on a saddle, usually based on a lever-action …
Rack (hunting)The antlers attached to the skull of a cervid. Rain GaugeAn instrument used to measure rainfall amounts. RainbowOptical phenomena when light is refracted and reflected by moisture in the air into concentric arcs of color. Raindrops act like prisms, breaking the light into the colors of a rainbow, with red on the outer, and blue on the …
QuakiesA Western term for aspen trees, which are known in botanical terms as “quaking aspen”. QuartziteMetamorphic rock rich in quartz created by the recrystallization of sandstone. QuaternaryThe Quaternary is the geologic time period comprising about the last 1.65 million years. QueasyA feeling of nausea. QuiverDevice for holding arrows. Different forms are back, belt, bow, and …
Pac BootsRubberized, waterproof cold-weather boots with a warm felt liner. Pack Frame (hunting)A backpack with a stout external frame, most often without the accompanying cloth bags, used for freighting meat and other objects that can’t be stuffed inside a backpack. PackhorseA horse used to pack gear, food, and meat. Pack Saddle (hunting)A rigid frame made of wood or metal that is …
OasisA fertile place in the desert where there is water and some vegetation. ObsidianGlassy dark colored volcanic rock. Usually composed of rhyolite. OceanA large body of salt water that surrounds a continent. Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. (see more about oceans) Oceanic Spreading RidgeAn oceanic spreading ridge is the fracture zone along the ocean bottom where …
Nail Knot (knots)A knot used to tie together two lines of significantly different diameters. Also called a Needle Knot. Natural ResourceMaterials that come from the earth and can be used by living things, for example: water, oil, and minerals. Neap Tide (ocean)A tide occurring near the time of quadrature of the moon with the sun. The neap tide range is usually 10- …
Magnetic NorthThe geographical region towards which all magnetic needles point. The point is approximately 1,300 miles south of true north. Main Beam (hunting)The length of the antler from the base of the skull to the natural tip of the antlers. MalariaUsually transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, malaria can cause fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, anemia, and convulsions, …
LagoonA shallow body of water that is located alongside a coast. LakeA large body of water surrounded by land on all sides. (see world lakes) Laminar FlowThe smooth and regular flow of a fluid in a constant direction without any mixing taking place. Laminated BowA bow made of several layers of different material glued together, usually two layers of fibreglass and …