Results for “taxon”

genetics

Branch of biology concerned with the study of heredity and variation of organisms; the genetic constitution of a single organism, species, or other taxonomic group.

Used in 4 profiles

genital papilla

Small tube arising from the urogenital opening in some fishes through which male or female gametes are expelled. May only be visible during the reproductive period depending on taxon. Its shape can sometimes used as a feature to identify the gender of an individual.

Used in 114 profiles

genus

Taxonomic group into which a family is divided and which contains one or more species characterised by a shared trait or traits. The generic name is used, either alone or followed by one or two specific epithets, to form a binomen or trinomen.

Used in 1,386 profiles

gill raker

Any of the bony processes located on the gill arch which function to either retain food items or otherwise prevent solid matter from entering the gill chamber. Vary in number and size depending on taxon and therefore useful in identification.

Used in 88 profiles

hierarchy

Series of ordered or groupings or rankings within a defined system. Taxonomy is a form of hierarchy as are the ranked social groupings typical of certain fish species. The latter form of social hierarchy is also known as a pecking order.

Used in 85 profiles

homonym

Two or more names of identical spelling, or differing only in suffix, that have been applied to different members of the same taxonomic rank and of which only one can be valid at any given time.

Used in 2 profiles

incertae sedis

In zoological nomenclature, of uncertain taxonomic position.

Used in 110 profiles

invalid name

In zoological nomenclature, any available name for a taxon other than the valid name.

Used in 12 profiles

kingdom

Taxonomic rank in the hierarchical classification of living organisms and natural objects. Either the highest rank or rank below domain, depending on the system being followed.

Used in 3 profiles

lectotype

In zoological nomenclature, a syntype specimen selected as the name-bearing type of a nominal taxon in the absence of a designated holotype.

Used in 6 profiles

monophyletic

Used in reference to a taxonomic group containing all descendants of a single, often hypothetical, common ancestor, often characterised by one or more synapomorphies. A clade is a monophyletic group.

Used in 330 profiles

monotypic

Used in reference to a taxonomic group containing only a single member, e.g., a monotypic genus or family.

Used in 123 profiles

morphometrics

Form of taxonomical analysis utilising the morphometry of organisms.

Used in 2 profiles

nomen novum

New name; a scientific name created to replace another scientific name for non-taxonomical reasons, e.g. when the name being replaced is a homonym.

nomenclature

Branch of taxonomy concerned with the application of scientific names to taxa, based on a particular classification scheme and in accordance with agreed international rules and conventions.

Used in 5 profiles

oil globule

Small, spherical droplet of oil found within the yolk sac of fish larvae. There may be one or more present and the size, positioning, and colour are also variable meaning they can be useful in terms of taxon identification.

original description

The description of a nominal taxon when it is established.

Used in 51 profiles

paraphyletic

In phylogenetics, a paraphyletic taxon is, loosely, an artificial grouping that does not include all descendants from the common ancestor of its members; monophyletic group from which one or more of clades is omitted in order to form an additional group.

Used in 42 profiles

patronym

In zoological nomenclature, a taxonomic name derived from the name of a person.

Used in 2 profiles