Results for “organism”

abdomen

The lower part of the body that lies in front of the cloaca and contains the digestive and reproductive organs; also referred to as the belly.

Used in 60 profiles

acidophile

An organism which naturally dwells in an acidic environment.

Used in 1 profile

activated carbon

Processed, porous, highly adsorptive form of carbon also known as activated charcoal or active carbon. Used in aquaria to remove toxins such as chlorine, chloramine, some heavy metals, and especially organic molecules, but exerts no action on ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate or inorganic salts. Since it has a finite surface area it requires periodic replacement if employed long-term, and should be removed if a tank is being treated as it will remove most medications. Cannot be 'recharged' by heating in a microwave or domestic oven.

algae

A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms and including seaweeds, diatoms, and Spirogyra. They're photosynthetic, like plants, and the majority are aquatic.

Used in 408 profiles

allelopathy

A biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals that affect the growth, survival, and reproduction of others. Typical in certain plants, algae, bacteria, coral, and fungi.

allopatric

Occurring in separate, nonoverlapping geographic areas. Often used to refer to geographically-separated, reproductively-isolated populations of related organisms. Opposite of sympatric.

Used in 2 profiles

altruistic behaviour

Behaviour which benefits other organisms. May be expressed at the level of the individual, group, or more extensive social system.

Used in 2 profiles

apomorph

An organism existing in an evolutionary state that represents a morphological advance compared to a previous state. Occurs at an evolutionary branching point and is subsequently carried through only a single descendant group.

aquarist

A person studying aquatic life or maintaining organisms in an aquarium, whether as a hobby or profession.

Used in 269 profiles

autotroph

An organism capable of synthesising its own food via inorganic light or chemical energy, e.g., green plants, algae.

base

The bottom or lowest part of something. Biology. The point of attachment of a part or organ, e.g., a fin. Chemistry. A substance that can accept protons or donate pairs of electrons. The chemical opposite of an acid. Bases have a pH greater than 7.0 and a solution containing one or more bases is often referred to as an alkali.

Used in 1,187 profiles

benthic

Inhabiting or relating to the bottom of a body of water, e.g., a benthic organism.

Used in 250 profiles

benthos

Organisms existing in, on or near the bottom of a water body. Sometimes used to refer to the bottom itself.

binomial nomenclature

The scientific system of naming an organism using two terms, the first representing the genus and the second the species. Also referred to as 'scientific name' or, somewhat inaccurately, 'Latin name'.

biocenose

A group of organisms forming a self-sufficient ecological community in a particular habitat.

biocide

A chemical agent that is toxic or lethal to living organisms.

biodiversity

The number, variety, and genetic variation of organisms found within a specified geographic region, both within and between species and ecosystems. Often used as a measure of overall ecosystem health.

Used in 16 profiles

bioerosion

Erosion of oceanic or terrestrial substrates by living organisms.

bioluminescence

Emission of visible light by living organisms including certain fishes.

biota

The living organisms inhabiting a given region.