Mastering Animal Science Vocabulary for English Graduate Entrance Exams
Animal science encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including animal physiology, nutrition, genetics, behavior, and management. Preparing for an English graduate entrance exam in this field requires a strong grasp of specialized terminology. Here's a comprehensive guide to essential animal science vocabulary to aid your preparation:
Animal Physiology:
1.
Homeostasis
: The ability of an organism to maintain internal stability despite external changes.2.
Endocrine System
: The system of glands that secrete hormones regulating various bodily functions.3.
Digestive System
: The organs and processes involved in the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of nutrients.4.
Respiratory System
: The organs involved in breathing and gas exchange, including lungs and respiratory passages.5.
Circulatory System
: The system responsible for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body.6.
Nervous System
: The complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.Animal Nutrition:
1.
Macronutrients
: Essential nutrients required in large amounts, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.2.
Micronutrients
: Essential nutrients required in smaller amounts, such as vitamins and minerals.3.
Digestibility
: The proportion of ingested nutrients that are absorbed and utilized by the body.4.
Ruminant
: Animals, like cows and sheep, with a stomach divided into four compartments for efficient digestion.5.
Monogastric
: Animals, like pigs and humans, with a singlechambered stomach.6.
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
: The efficiency of converting feed into animal body mass.7.
Grazing
: Feeding on grass or pasture.Animal Genetics:
1.
Genotype
: The genetic makeup of an organism.2.
Phenotype
: The observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from its genotype and environmental factors.3.
Allele
: Different forms of a gene.4.
Heterozygous
: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.5.
Homozygous
: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.6.
Gene Expression
: The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products.Animal Behavior:
1.
Ethology
: The scientific study of animal behavior.2.
Instinct
: Inborn behavior patterns characteristic of a species.3.
Territoriality
: Defense of a specific area against other individuals.4.
Social Hierarchy
: The ranking of individuals within a group based on dominance.5.
Circadian Rhythm
: The biological rhythm that follows a 24hour cycle, influencing behavior and physiological processes.6.
Imprinting
: Rapid learning that occurs during a critical period of development, often irreversible.Animal Management:
1.
Housing Systems
: Various methods of providing shelter and facilities for animals, such as barns, feedlots, and pens.2.
Animal Welfare
: The ethical treatment of animals, ensuring their health, wellbeing, and humane treatment.3.
Biosecurity
: Measures to prevent the spread of diseases within and between animal populations.4.
Reproductive Management
: Strategies to optimize breeding efficiency and genetic improvement.5.
Nutritional Management
: Formulating diets to meet the specific nutritional requirements of different animal species and production stages.6.
Health Management
: Practices aimed at preventing and controlling diseases through vaccination, sanitation, and veterinary care.Exam Tips:
1.
Build Vocabulary
: Create flashcards or use online resources to learn and memorize animal science terminology.2.
Contextual Understanding
: Understand how terms are used in different contexts within animal science disciplines.3.
Practice Questions
: Solve practice questions and sample papers to familiarize yourself with exam patterns and question types.4.
Review Regularly
: Schedule regular review sessions to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and vocabulary.By mastering these essential terms and concepts, you'll be wellequipped to tackle the English graduate entrance exam in animal science with confidence. Good luck!