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One of the three living orders of the class Amphibia, encompassing the frogs and toads. Anura is the largest order of amphibians (class Amphibia), containing more than 7000 species of frogs (Fig. 1) and toads. Because members of the order Anura…

Bats are members of the order Chiroptera, which is the second-largest order of living mammals. The geographic distribution of these flying mammals is tremendous as well, ranging from the limit of trees in the Northern Hemisphere to the southern tips…

A taxonomic order of insects comprising the cockroaches and termites. The order Blattodea, also referred to as Blattaria, contains at least 4500 species of cockroaches (Fig. 1) and 3000 species of termites. Previously, termites were assigned to a…

Terrestrial and aquatic animals that are capable of excavating holes in the ground for protection from adverse environmental conditions, as well as for storing food. Burrowing animals are uniquely adapted species, having the capacity to dig burrows…

A member of the mammalian family Camelidae in the order Artiodactyla. Camels are even-toed, hoofed mammals (ungulates). There are three extant camel species: the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus; Fig. 1), the wild Bactrian camel (C. ferus), and…

Any member of the grass family (Poaceae or Gramineae) that produces edible grains usable as food by humans and livestock. Cereals are important cultivated crops. Common cereals include rice, wheat, barley, oats, maize (corn), sorghum, rye, and…

An evergreen shrub or small tree, particularly Cinnamomum verum, and the spice obtained from the plant's bark. The cinnamon plant (see illustration) is a member of the laurel family (Lauraceae) in the order Laurales. Native to Sri Lanka, the…

The common name for three living species of mammals in the family Elephantidae (order Proboscidea). Elephants are extant members of the mammalian family Elephantidae, which is one of several families included in the order Proboscidea. The remaining…