cyst
In biology, a small sac forming a capsule within which certain organisms remain during the larval or dormant stage.
Used in 2 profiles
Results for “organism”
Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
deionisation
Purification process, often abbrevaited to DI, by which mineral ions are removed from water, usually via ion exchange over a specialised type of resin. The process does not remove non-ionic molecules thus organic cells such as bacteria tend to remain. Often used in conjunction with reverse osmosis to produce more-or-less pure water which normally requires a degree of remineralisation before being used in aquaria.
derived trait
In phylogenetics, a trait present in an organism which was absent in the last common ancestor of the group being considered; an apomorphy. Also used to refer to traits present in the ancestral form that have subsequently been lost.
diapause
Period of suspended development in an organism characterised by greatly reduced metabolic rate; resting phase. Especially common under times of environmental stress, e.g., hibernation, aestivation.
Used in 3 profiles
dichotomy
A division of organisms into two groups, typically based on a characteristic present in one group and absent in the other.
dioecious
Within a species, having the male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals.
diverticulum
A pouch or sac branching from a hollow organ or structure, such as the alimentary canal.
Used in 10 profiles
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, a double-stranded, self-replicating genetic material comprised of a chain of nucleotides. Present in nearly all living organisms and is the main constituent of chromosomes. DNA segments containing genetic instructions are called genes and normally direct production and activity of RNA.
Used in 11 profiles
dorsal
Of, toward, on, in, or near the back or upper surface of an organism or part.
Used in 667 profiles
durophagous
Feeding on hard-shelled or exoskeleton-bearing organisms such as molluscs.
ecological niche
The specific position or function that an organism fills in an ecosystem.
Used in 77 profiles
ecology
Study of the interactions occurring between organisms and their environments; also used to refer directly to such relationships.
Used in 18 profiles
ecosystem
A biological community comprising interacting organisms plus their physical environment.
Used in 23 profiles
electrogenesis
Production of electrical impulses in living organisms or tissues.
electroreceptor
Sensory organ present in some fishes. Used to detect electrical current.
Used in 4 profiles
embryo
A young, unborn or unhatched organism in the process of development.
Used in 11 profiles
endosymbiont
A symbiotic organism that lives within the body of its host.
endosymbiosis
Form of symbiosis in which one organism lives inside the other
eukaryotic
A single-celled or multicellular organism possessing cells containing a membrane-bound nucleus.
euryhaline
Of aquatic organisms, able to tolerate a wide range of salinity. Opposite of stenohaline.
Used in 11 profiles