Results for “species”

mangrove

May refer to a mangrove swamp habitat and all species inhabiting it, only the trees and shrubs found in such a habitat, or more specifically, mangrove trees of the genus Rhizophora.

Used in 31 profiles

name-bearing type

In zoological nomenclature, the biological type (normally either a genus, species, or specimen) that determines how a name is applied.

natural selection

Term introduced by Charles Darwin referring to the nonrandom mechanism of evolution by which certain biological traits become either more or less common in a population due to differential, environmentally-influenced reproduction. Better-adapted individuals tend to produce more offspring, thus the population evolves, and this process can result in populations that gradually become specialised to inhabit particular ecological niches and can eventually result in the emergence of new species.

neotype

A single specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a species subsequent to its description, most often when the holotype, lectotype, and syntype no longer exist.

Used in 14 profiles

Rift Valley lake

Generic term for any lake formed in a rift valley, but often used in specific reference to a group located in the East African rift, particularly those lying in its western and southern sections, i.e., the African Great Lakes. In the aquarium hobby the meaning of the term is typically restricted even further to include just lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria, the latter of which is not in fact a rift lake and is located in a shallow depression between the eastern and western branches of the main rift. These three lakes are famous for the high number of endemic fish species inhabiting them, especially members of the family Cichlidae.

standard length

Measurement taken from the tip of the snout to the midlateral, posterior edge of the hypural plate or posterior edge of the last vertebra, thus excluding the caudal fin. May also exclude the length of the lower jaw should it project beyond the snout. It is the standard scientific measurement used for most fish species because the caudal fin easily becomes damaged in preserved specimens. Abbreviated to SL.

Used in 48 profiles

topotype

A specimen collected from the type locality of a given species.

Used in 1 profile

type series

Series of specimens which either constitutes the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies, or from which the name-bearing type has been or may be designated

Used in 120 profiles

batesian mimicry

A form of protective mimicry whereby a harmless species closely resembles an unpalatable or harmful species thus reducing the potential of predation.

CITES

Abbreviation for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Drafted in the 1970s to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.

Used in 3 profiles

conserved name

A scientific name that has specific nomenclatural protection under the ICZN code, specifically a name that is otherwise unavailable or invalid but has been made available as a valid name by removal of the obstacles blocking its use.

copepod

Any member of the subclass Copepoda, a group of small marine and freshwater crustaceans of which the planktonic species are important to global ecology, forming the main constituent of oceanic zooplankton. Some species are parasites of fishes.

Used in 6 profiles

couplet

A pair of descriptive statements. Often used in species identification keys to offer the reader a choice resulting in identification of a species or continuation to the next couplet.

cyanobacteria

Phylum of generally blue-green coloured bacteria, often confused with algae, that obtain their energy via photosynthesis and include unicellular and colonial species. Some species occur commonly in aquaria where they're normally regarded as pests.

Used in 21 profiles

Indian almond leaf

Vernacular name for leaves of the leadwood tropical tree species Terminalia catappa which are commonly sold dried for use in aquaria because the organic compounds contained within them are considered beneficial for certain fish species. In particular they may aid in simulation of blackwater conditions and inhibit the growth of some undesirable microorganisms, as well as proving an effective addition to a natural-looking display. Also known as Ketapang leaf, presumably in reference to the city of that name in West Kalimantan province, Indonesian Borneo.

Used in 10 profiles

invasive

Most commonly used in reference to a native or non-native species with the tendency to spread widely that does or is likely to cause environmental, economic and/or ecological harm, though may also be applied to widespread, usually non-native, species that do not exert such adverse effects.

Used in 13 profiles

paratype

In zoological nomenclature, a specimen other than the holotype upon which a description is based, i.e., each specimen of a type series other than the holotype.

Used in 9 profiles

sexual dimorphism

Phenotypic difference between males and females of a single species. Used in species profiles here on SF to refer to differences in morphology or colour pattern, but officially also refers to behavioural differences.

Used in 99 profiles

Actinopterygii

Class of ray-finned fishes, so-called because they possess fin rays. Contains 95%+ of known fish species.

Used in 1 profile

adipose tissue

Type of connective tissue composed of cells specialised for production and storage of fat globules. The principle means of fat storage in the animal body.

Used in 5 profiles