<P> Taxidermy is the preserving of an animal 's body via stuffing or mounting for the purpose of display or study . Animals are often , but not always , portrayed in a lifelike state . The word taxidermy refers to the process of preserving the animal , but the word is also used to describe the end product , which are often called `` mounts '' . The word taxidermy is derived from the Greek words `` taxis '' and `` derma '' . Taxis means `` to move '' , and `` derma '' means `` skin '' ( the dermis ) . The word taxidermy translates to `` arrangement of skin '' . Taxidermy is practiced primarily on vertebrates ( mammals , birds , fish , reptiles , and less commonly on amphibians ) but can also be done to larger insects and arachnids under some circumstances . Taxidermy takes on a number of forms and purposes including , but not limited to , hunting trophies and natural history museum displays . Museums use taxidermy as a method to record species , including those that are extinct and threatened , in the form of study skins and life - size mounts . Taxidermy is sometimes also used as a means to memorialize pets . A person who practices taxidermy is called a taxidermist . They may practice professionally , catering to museums and sportsman ( hunters and fishermen ) , or as amateurs ( hobbyists ) . A taxidermist is aided by familiarity with anatomy , sculpture , painting , and tanning . </P>
<P> Taxidermy is the preserving of an animal 's body via stuffing or mounting for the purpose of display or study . Animals are often , but not always , portrayed in a lifelike state . The word taxidermy refers to the process of preserving the animal , but the word is also used to describe the end product , which are often called `` mounts '' . The word taxidermy is derived from the Greek words `` taxis '' and `` derma '' . Taxis means `` to move '' , and `` derma '' means `` skin '' ( the dermis ) . The word taxidermy translates to `` arrangement of skin '' . Taxidermy is practiced primarily on vertebrates ( mammals , birds , fish , reptiles , and less commonly on amphibians ) but can also be done to larger insects and arachnids under some circumstances . Taxidermy takes on a number of forms and purposes including , but not limited to , hunting trophies and natural history museum displays . Museums use taxidermy as a method to record species , including those that are extinct and threatened , in the form of study skins and life - size mounts . Taxidermy is sometimes also used as a means to memorialize pets . A person who practices taxidermy is called a taxidermist . They may practice professionally , catering to museums and sportsman ( hunters and fishermen ) , or as amateurs ( hobbyists ) . A taxidermist is aided by familiarity with anatomy , sculpture , painting , and tanning . </P>
what do you call animal heads on the wall
what do you call animal heads on the wall
mounts
mounts