Glossary

V

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vascular – A system of channels to move fluid such as sap in plants or blood in animals.

vernal – Relating to spring-time. For example, vernal pools only form temporarily during heavy spring rains.

vertebrates – Animals with a bony or cartilaginous backbone (vertebrae). Examples include mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish.

vicuña – Vicugna vicugna, a small-sized relative of the llama. They stand about 1.5 meters tall and weigh about 50 kilograms. They live in the high regions of the Andes, between 3,000 and 4,600 meters in altitude.

vizcacha – (Lagidium viscacia) A chinchilla found in Chile.

VU – (Vulnerable) One of three categories of threat on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.