GLOSSARY

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CALCIUM CARBONATE
Also known as limestone, this compound is the major structural material in eggshells.
CHALAZAE
Spirally twisted rope-like structures attached to and surrounding the yolk. Chalazae suspend the yolk within the eggshell.
CLEIDOIC EGG
A cleidoic egg is virtually a sealed container. All the nutrients, water and minerals for development are contained within the eggshell. The only exchange between the inside and outside of the egg is gaseous and occurs through pores.
CLUTCH
The assemblage of eggs laid in one nest. Clutch size is the total number of eggs in a clutch.
CRYPTIC COLORATION
Pigmentation that closely matches the colour and pattern of the surrounding environment.
CUTICLE
A thin proteinaceous layer that covers the eggshell.
CYLINDRICAL
Refers to the cylinder-like shape of some eggs, such as those of the hummingbird.