Glossary

occurring singly or at different levels along a stem e.g. leaves or flowers.

Animals are living things that share the following characteristics: (i) All animals are eukaryotes. This means that they are made up of cells that have a membrane - bound nucleus and organelles. (ii) All animals are heterotrophs. This means that they have to eat other organisms to obtain the energy required to live. (iii) Animals are multicellular. This means that they are made up of more than one cell. (iv) Animals are capable of movement in one form or another. (v) Animal cells do not have a rigid cellulose cell wall. (vi) Nearly all animals have bodies that are separated into different tissues. (vii) Nearly all animals reproduce sexually. This involves the fusion of two sex cells or gametes.

Ants are insects from the family Formicidae. They have a small section called the petiole between the thorax and the abdomen. This gives them the flexibility to allow the tip of the abdomen to be brought forward to sting prey or predators. Ants have elbowed antennae which allows greater flexibility and movement. They also possess metapleural glands which secrete an antibiotic fluid. The ants groom this fluid over their exoskeleton to prevent growth of bacteria and fungi.

relating to water.

Arachnids are a class of invertebrates that have eight legs. They have no antennae or wings and their body is divided into two parts; the cephalothorax (the head and thorax combined), and the abdomen.

a plant which emits a pleasant and distinctive smell.

a bristle-like appendage of a plant, especially on the grains of cereals and grasses.

forming at the base.

Beetles can be distinguished from other insects by the presence of two pairs of wings. The first pair are hardened wings called elytra which have no veins. These protect the second membranous wings underneath and also cover breathing holes. This allows the beetle to control its body temperature and water loss.

small leaves which are arranged in pairs, one on either side of the stem.

containing both male and female reproductive organs.

Bluebells are in the family Campanulaceae. Bluebells are mostly herbs and sometimes shrubs to trees, that grow wholly or partially in water and also in drier areas. They have a basal concentration of leaves that are emergent and submerged. Flowers are solitary, or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, racemes, spikes, and in umbels), are bell-shaped and mostly blue.

a modified or specialized leaf.

Bramble and Burrs are in the family Rosaceae. Bramble and Burrs include trees, shrubs, or herbs and are usually deciduous but sometimes evergreen. They grow in a variety of areas; helophytic, mesophytic or xerophytic. They are self supporting but sometimes climb, and have thin slender stems often with short shoots.

A number of young produced or hatched at the same time.

thick storage organ that is usually underground.

a seed that has hooks or teeth which attach themselves to the fur of animals or clothing of passing people.

Small, passerines that belong to the Alaudidae family. They often have rich and varied calls.

Buttercups are in the family Ranunculaceae. Buttercups are mostly herbs, and less commonly shrubs or climbing vines. They grow in moist to drier areas. Flowers are mostly bright yellow to white, small to medium in size, solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, in racemes, or in panicles). Flowers usually have five petals (some species have six or more or none).

the outer whorl of a flower, which is usually green.

The upper section of the exoskeleton of some arthropods. Also the upper part of the shell of tortoises and turtles.

An animal that eats other animals.

female reproductive organ found at the centre of a flower, consisting of an ovary, a style and a stigma.

Centipedes belong to the class of invertebrates called Chilopoda. Their body is made up of many segments. Each segment has one pair of legs. Centipedes have odd numbers of pairs of legs. They also have a pair of venom claws which are modified front appendages.

Cicadas are insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. They possess stout bodies, broad heads, clear membranous wings and large compound eyes. After the nymphs hatch from eggs laid in trees, they drop down and burrow into the soil. They remain in the soil for up to 7 years feeding on the sap from the roots of trees. When fully grown, the nymphs burrow up out of the soil, climb the tree and moult for the last time. They live as an adult for only a few weeks.

Cockatoos belong to the bird family Cacatuidae. They generally have curved bills and moveable head crests. Their plumage is usually less brightly coloured than other parrots, being mainly black, grey or white.

the process in which a species spreads to new areas.

Occurs when an animal has four very different stages in its life cycle; egg, larva, pupa and adult.

a flat topped inflorescence in which the individual flower stalks grow upward from various points on the main stem to approximately the same height.

upper part of a tree including the branches and foliage.

the hollow stem of a grass, sedge, rush or similar plant, that bears the flower.

the outer layer of living tissue.

a tree or shrub that sheds its leaves annually.

deterioration in the quality of land.

Active during the day.

The upper surface or back.

a small drupe-like subdivision composing the outer layer of fruits such as raspberries or blackberries.

The use of sound to locate objects. Some animals emit sounds and listen to their echo in order to find their way around and also to find food.

A parasite that lives on the outside of its host.

young plant contained within a seed.

found in a particular location.

short-lived.

destroy.

Eucalypts are in the family Myrtaceae. Eucalypts are evergreen trees and shrubs, that grow in marshy substrates to drier areas. Leaves are small to large, linear to oval in shape and commonly opposite but sometimes alternate or whorled. Stipules are minute or absent. Leaves are aromatic and the surface is dotted with conspicuous oil glands. Flowers are rarely solitary but are usually grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, corymbs, spikes and panicles).

Hard covering on the outer body of some invertebrates.

Small, insectivorous birds belonging to the family Rhipiduridae. They have a characterisitic rounded, fan-shaped tail.

Ferns occur in a number of different families. Ferns may be terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic. Rhizomes are erect, ascending or short to long and creeping. Fronds are pinnate, pinnules are lanceolate and rarely linear. The stipe is dark brown or black, usually glossy, scaly at the base and sometimes hairy above.

the stalk of a stamen, supporting the anther, part of the male reproductive structure in plants.

A young bird that has recently acquired its flight feathers.

the sexual reproductive structure of flowering plants generally consisting of an ovary, stigma and style.

food for cattle and other livestock.

a dry fruit formed from one carpel, that splits along only one suture to release its seeds.

a broad-leaf herb other than a grass.

Frogs are vertebrates belonging to the class Amphibia. Oxygen can readily pass through their permeable skin allowing them to stay underwater for long periods. Most have long hind limbs, three eyelid membranes and a tympanum on each side of the head which are involved in hearing. Frogs have glands in their skin which produce secretions to help keep the skin moist and free from fungus and bacteria. They will shed this skin every few weeks. Frogs have three stages to their lifecycle: the egg, the tadpole and the adult frog.

seed-bearing structure of a flowering plant.

Geraniums are in the family Geraniaceae. Geraniums are usually herbs or shrubs, that grow in moist to drier areas. Upper leaves are often alternate with lower leaves often opposite. Leaves are mostly toothed or have lobes and stipules. Flowers are sometimes solitary but are mostly grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, or in umbels). There are five petals.

The period of time in which a fetus develops.

globose, nearly spherical.

Goodenia are in the family Goodeniaceae. Goodenia are herbs or shrubs, and sometimes trees, that grow in moist to drier areas. Leaves are nearly always spiral and alternate but rarely opposite to whorled. Leaves are without stipules. Flowers are rarely solitary but are mostly grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, spikes, heads and racemes).

Grasses are in the family Poaceae. Grasses are herbs or herbaceous climbers, that are evergreen or deciduous. Stem internodes are commonly hollow. They grow wholly or partially in water to drier areas. When hydrophytic, leaves are submerged, emergent or floating. When xerophytic, leaves are minute to large and alternate. Flowers are grouped in inflorescences (in spikelets).

low vegetation dominated by grasses.

a place where an organism lives.

vegetation dominated by small shrubs which usually have small and sharply pointed leaves.

a parasitic plant that contains some chlorophyll and is therefore able to photosynthesize.

a plant that does not develop a woody stem, up to 50 cm tall.

an animal that feeds on plants.

When animals enter into a state of inactivity during colder periods. This involves lower body temperatures, slower breathing and metabolic rates.

Honeyeaters are small to medium sized passerines belonging to the family Meliphagidae. They have a specialised tongue with a brush tip which they use to extract nectar from flowers. Many Australian plants are pollinated exclusively by honeyeaters. These are one of the few birds that are capable of flying backwards.

An organism upon which a parasite relies for survival. The parasite lives eiither on or inside the host and can cause harm to the host.

Ice-plant is in the family Aizoaceae. Ice-plant is a small shrub or herb which is frequently succulent and grows in drier areas. Leaves are minute to medium-sized, alternate or opposite and fleshy. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, or in heads). Flowers are small to medium-sized.

Occurs when an animal has only three different stages in its life cycle; egg, nymph and adult.

rolled inwards.

An animal that eats insects.

Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone or spine. This group makes up more than 98% of the animal kingdom and consists of a wide variety of animals with different characteristics. Invertebrates can be divided into the following groups: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematodes, Annelida, Arthropods, Molluscs and Echinoderms. Some of the earliest invertebrate animal fossils found date to approximately 685 million years ago.

Lacewings are insects belonging to the order Neuroptera. They possess transparent lace-like wings that are twice as long as their abdomen. The larvae are ferocious predators. Lacewings undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages in their lifecycle.

spear-shaped, about four times as long as broad; broadest in the lower half and tapering to the tip.

A medium-sized passerine from the family Alaudidae. They are known for their elaborate calls. They have long hind claws which are used for stability when standing.

the lower part of the leaf in most grasses, usually tubular or rolled.

a woody swelling of the stem below or just above the ground, which can produce new shoots (often after fire).

plants that grow in or on rocks.

part of a leaf, often rounded, formed by incisions about half-way to the midrib.

Magpies belong to the family Cracticidae. They are medium sized black and white passerines. They spend a lot of time walking on long, strong, black legs. A highly vocal bird with a wide variety of calls.

Bone of the lower jaw of an animal, part of the bill of a bird or a jawlike biting appendage of arthropods.

The upper body wall of a snail or slug.

Marshwort is in the family Menyanthaceae. Marshworts are herbs often with spreading stolons, that grow wholly or partially in water, or in marshy substrates. Leaves are alternate, spiral and without stipules. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, heads, fascicles and panicles). Flowers are small to medium-sized.

Mat-rushes are in the family Asparagaceae. Mat-rushes are herbs, shrubs or climbing vines. Leaves are much reduced, alternate and without stipules. Flowers are small, solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, racemes or in umbels).

growing in or adapted to a moderately moist environment.

Milkwort is in the family Polygalaceae. Milkworts are trees, shrubs, or herbs but rarely climbing vines, that grow in moist to drier areas. Leaves are alternate, opposite or whorled and usually spiral. Flowers are grouped in inflorescences (in panicles, racemes and in spikes).

Mistletoe is in the family Loranthaceae. Mistletoes are generally climbing vines or shrubs that are evergreen. Mistletoe can grow in moist to drier areas. Leaves are usually opposite and leathery. Flowers are grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, racemes, spikes, fascicles and umbels).

Molluscs have a muscular foot located underneath their body. The animal secretes a mucus from the bottom of the foot which allows it to glide along surfaces. Some molluscs have a hard shell. This is secreted by the mantle which covers the body of the mollusc.

Order of mammals that lay eggs.

Morning Glory is in the family Convolvulaceae. They are mostly herbaceous climbers, with a few being herbs, shrubs or climbing vines. Morning Glory can grow in a variety of areas; helophytic, mesophytic or xerophytic. Leaves are alternate, spiral and without stipules. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes).

Mustard is in the family Brassicaceae. Mustards are mainly herbs, and are rarely shrubs or climbing vines, that grow in a variety of areas; hydrophytic, helophytic, mesophytic or xerophytic. When hydrophytic, plants have roots and the leaves are submerged and emergent. The foliage smells like mustard or cabbage when crushed. Plants are mainly non succulent and usually self supporting. Leaves are minute to very large, alternate, usually spiral, mostly herbaceous and without stipules. Flowers are usually grouped in inflorescences (usually in cymes, or in racemes).

reproducing freely in a region but not indigenous to that region.

Nightshade is in the family Solanaceae. Nightshade exists as herbs, herbaceous climbers, shrubs, trees and climbing vines that are often prickly. Nightshade grows in marshy substrates to drier areas. Leaves are alternate and usually become opposite towards the inflorescence. Leaves are without stipules. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences.

the part of the stem where leaves or branches arise.

ovate with the narrower end attached to the stalk.

Orchids are in the family Orchidaceae and may be terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic. Orchids are herbs or herbaceous climbers and are often succulent. Orchids can grow in a variety of areas; helophytic, mesophytic or xerophytic. Leaves are small to large, often fleshy, spiral and usually alternate but rarely opposite or whorled. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in panicles, racemes, spikes, heads and umbels). Flowers are small to large, and sometimes fragrant.

the basal portion of the carpel or group of fused carpels, enclosing the ovule(s).

Producing eggs which mature and hatch after being expelled from the body.

An animal or plant that lives on or in another animal or plant and causes it harm. The parasite depends on the host for survival.

Parsley is in the family Apiaceae. The parsley group are mostly herbs, some are shrubs and a few are trees that grow in marshy substrates. Leaves are small to large, alternate and usually herbaceous and aromatic. Leaves are usually without stipules. Flowers are grouped in inflorescences (nearly always in umbels or sometimes in heads).

Peas are in the family Fabaceae. Peas are trees, shrubs or herbs, sometimes climbing or trailing and occasionally spiny. Leaves are alternate, sometimes opposite or whorled and stipules are often present. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in racemes). Flowers usually have five petals.

hanging down loosely.

the outer part of a flower consisting of sepals (calyx) and petals (corolla).

one of the non-fertile parts of a flower, positioned outside the fertile organs, collectively forming the corolla. Generally soft and coloured.

the process green plants undertake to convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen using light as an energy source.

relating to a plant or plant-like organism.

Pincushions are in the family Goodeniaceae. Pincushions are herbs or shrubs that grow in moist to drier areas. Leaves are nearly always spiral and alternate, but sometimes opposite to whorled. Leaves are without stipules. Flowers are small to medium in size, solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, spikes, heads and racemes).

a compound leaf with leaflets arranged on each side of a common axis.

Small passerine in the family Motacillidae. A slender, ground-feeding insectivore with a short neck and a long tail. It has slender legs with long hind claws and a long, slender, pointed bill. This bird is generally buff, brown or white in colour.

Plantain is in the family Plantaginaceae. Plantains are mostly herbs but sometimes shrubs that grow in marshy substrates to drier areas. Leaves are alternate, spiral or in a basal rosette. Flowers are small and grouped in inflorescences (in spikes or heads).

The layer of feathers covering a bird.

to transfer pollen from the male organ (anther) to the female organ (stigma) of flowering plants.

Pondweed is in the family Potamogetonaceae. Pondweed is an aquatic herb that grows wholly or partially in water. Leaves are submerged, or non-submerged and floating, small or medium-sized, alternate, opposite or whorled. Flowers are grouped in inflorescences (in racemes and spikes).

A tail that is adapted to grasp on to branches or to seize or carry objects including nesting materials.

hard, pointed outgrowth from the surface of a plant.

used to defend against or to prevent disease.

covered with a powdery waxy material;. with a 'bloom'

Purslane is in the family Portulacaceae. Purslanes are herbs and shrubs that are often succulent, and grow in marshy substrates to drier areas. Leaves are often fleshy, alternate or opposite and when alternate, spiral. Flowers are small to medium-sized, solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes).

The term Raptor includes all birds of prey. They have hooked beaks to rip and tear apart their prey, strong feet with sharp talons to catch, carry and hold their prey and keen eyesight. They are carnivorous.

Ravens belong to the family Corvidae. All corvids are glossy black, with brown-hazel eyes when juvenile and immature, and white eyes when adult. Ravens differ from crows mostly in size and the colour of the down at the base of the body feathers.

Patches of native vegetation that remain after land has been converted for another use such as housing or agriculture.

an underground stem, usually growing horizontally or just above the ground.

situated on the bank or margin of a river, stream or creek.

a mammal with large incisors used for gnawing or nibbling, including rats and mice.

A reddish-brown colour.

Saltbushes are in the family Chenopodiaceae. Saltbushes are mostly herbs or herbaceous climbers and less commonly shrubs, small trees or climbing vines. Plants are sometimes succulent, and grow in marshy substrates to drier areas. Leaves are minute to large, alternate to opposite and when alternate, spiral. Leaves are without stipules. Flowers are minute to small, solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes).

Feeds on dead and decaying organic matter.

Scorpions belong to the class of invertebrates called arachnids. Although scorpions possess a venomous sting, non of the scorpions found in Australia have been associated with a human death. However, their sting can cause pain and swelling. The sting is located in the tip of the tail. The scorpion also has large pincers at the front which it uses to grasp its prey.

Sedges are the family Cyperaceae. Sedges are herbaceous and grow wholly or partially in water, or in marshy substrates and less commonly in drier areas. When hydrophytic, leaves are free-floating and the plant has roots. When plants are helophytic, leaves are alternate, submerged and emergent. Plants have a basal concentration of leaves and younger stems are triangular or cylindrical. Flowers are usually small or minute and grouped in inflorescences (in spikelets).

toothed with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward; like a cutting edge of a saw.

Males and females of the same species have differing appearances.

a woody perennial plant without a single main trunk and smaller than a tree, between 20 cm and over 5 m in height.

Snakes are reptiles from the order Squamata. They are elongate with overlapping scales, ectothermic and legless carnivorous reptiles. They may bear live young (viviparous) or lay eggs (oviparous).

a discrete cluster of sporangia (a structure in which spores are formed).

one species.

a taxonomic category; a group of living organisms which share common features and/or ancestry; the smallest group which can be readily and consistently recognised; capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Spiderwort is in the family Commelinaceae. Spiderworts are herbs or herbaceous climbers that are evergreen. Plants can be succulent and grow in marshy and moist substrates. Leaves are alternate, spiral and often fleshy. Flowers are sometimes solitary but are usually grouped in inflorescences (in cymes).

a unit of the inflorescence in grasses, sedges and some other monocotyledons, consisting of one to many flowers and associated bracts (glumes).

Thorny projection often found on the leg or wing of a bird. Used in defense.

St John's Wort is in the family Hypericaceae. Hypericaceae members are herbs or shrubs. Leaves are opposite, rarely in whorls, and often marked with glandular translucent, red or black dots. Leaves are without stipules. Flowers are bright yellow, solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes or panicles).

male reproductive organ of a flowering plant, typically consisting of a fstalk (filament) and a pollen bearing anther.

star-shaped.

part of the female reproductive structure; the sticky surface at the tip of the style to which pollen grains attach.

small appendage at the base of leaves in many dicotyledons.

Stone-curlews are in the family Burhinidae. They are large and plover-like with large heads, large yellow eyes and grey/brown/black/white plumage with strong disruptive patterns to assist with camouflage. There are two Australian species.

striped with parallel lontitudinal lines or ridges.

a taxonomic category; the rank below species.

a plant with fleshy leaves or stems adapted to store water.

Sundew is in the family Droseraceae. Sundews are herbs that are carnivorous. Leaves and aerial stems with glandular hairs, or sensitive bristles trigger the closing of the laminae to trap insects and small water animals. Sundews grow wholly or partially in water or marshy to moist substrates. Leaves are small to medium-sized and usually alternate. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes).

Swans belong to the family Anatidae. They are very large waterbirds with long necks, adapted for feeding on aquatic plants when they immerse their head and body into the water, with the aid of their large dark colored webbed feet. Swans moult their flight feathers and become flightless for several weeks.

Teatree is in the family Myrtaceae. Teatrees are trees and shrubs that grow in marshy substrates to drier areas. Leaves are small to large, commonly opposite, or alternate, or whorled. Stipules are minute or absent. Flowers are rarely solitary and are usually grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, spikes, corymbs and panicles).

growing at the end of the stem.

a sharp, stiffened point, usually a modified stem.

Thrushes belong to the family Turdidae. They are rounded, medium-sized songbirds. There are two introduced and two native species of thrush in Australia.

having a saw-like outer edge.

semi-transparent.

a frog from the Myobatrachidae or Limnodynastidae families.

part or wholly split into three divisions.

Trigger plants are in the family Stylidiaceae. Trigger Plants are herbs or small shrubs that grow in marshy or moist substrates to drier areas. Plants often have a basal concentration of leaves and most are self supporting. Flowers are solitary or grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, racemes, spikes and corymbs).

a dense tuft of vegetation, usually well separated from neighbouring tussocks, e.g. some grasses.

Verbena is in the family Verbenaceae. Verbenas are trees, shrubs or herbs and many are climbing vines that contain essential oils. Verbena grows in moist to drier areas. Leaves are usually opposite, or whorled but are rarely alternate, and are without stipules. Flowers are usually grouped in inflorescences (in cymes, racemes, spikes, heads and verticils).

a circular arrangement.

Whistlers belong to the family Pachycephalidae. They are songbirds with large rounded heads and robust bills.

Willows are in the family Salicaceae. Willows are trees or shrubs and usually deciduous. Leaves are alternate, margins are usually toothed and stipules are often present. Flowers are grouped in inflorescences (in spikes).

The smaller feathers covering the base of the flight feathers in a bird's wing.