Animal Info - Glossary N

Natal: Associated with an animal's birth.
Natant: Referring to something swimming or floating in the water.
Neolithic: Related to or dating from the latest period of the Stone Age, characterized by polished stone implements.
Nocturnal: Active during nighttime.
Nose-leaf: Some bats have a fleshy structure called a " nose-leaf" surrounding the nose. These bats generally fly with their mouth closed and emit ultrasound through their nostrils. The nose-leaf is thought to act as a directional amplifier of this ultrasound, which is used to avoid obstacles and locate prey.
Nuptial: Referring to something that is characteristic of or occurs during the breeding season.

Last modified: June 2, 2006;