Results for “organism”

eurythermal

Of organisms, able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

eutrophication

Hypertrophication; process by which addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, to a body of water increases the concentration of dissolved nutrients, this in turn stimulating the growth of aquatic plant life, especially phytoplankton, and typically resulting in depletion of dissolved oxygen. Negative effects include reductions in populations of fishes and other organisms incapable of withstanding this hypoxia.

Used in 8 profiles

ex gr.

Abbreviation of the Latin ex grege, meaning 'from the herd, of the group'. Sometimes used between the generic and specific parts of a binomial name when the precise species is not known but the organism can be identified as belonging to a named group of species.

Used in 2 profiles

ex-situ conservation

Process of protecting and maintaining an organism outside its natural habitat, e.g., in a zoo or relocation project.

F0

Not an official term in genetics, but often used in reference to the founder, or parental, generation in a line of captive-bred organisms. Also used in aquarium literature to refer to wild caught fishes or a pair or group of assumedly unrelated individuals being used for breeding purposes.

fecund

Producing or capable of producing offspring or vegetation. Sometimes used in reference to particularly productive organisms.

Used in 33 profiles

filter feeding

Feeding behaviour in which solid, organic particles are filtered from the surrounding water. Normally involves some degree of specialised morphology.

Used in 1 profile

filter medium

Material in a mechanical or biological filter trapping suspended particles or providing a suitable surface for colonisation by beneficial organisms.

fin

Membranous appendage supported by cartilage or bony rays. Used for locomotion, steering, and balance by fishes and some other aquatic organisms.

Used in 800 profiles

fitness

In biology, Darwinian fitness or simply fitness of a biological trait describes how successful an organism has been at passing on its genes. The more likely that an individual is able to survive and live longer to reproduce, the higher is the fitness of that individual.

fluke

Any parasitic flatworm which attachs itself to the organs of a fish.

formaldehyde

Colourless, organic gas used as a preservative when dissolved in water, in which form it is often known as formalin.

Used in 1 profile

gamete

Cell that fuses with another during fertilization in organisms employing sexual reproduction, e.g., an egg or sperm cell.

gene

Basic hereditary unit comprising a sequence of nuceleotides within a strand of DNA or RNA and occupying a fixed position on a chromosome. Generally determines a particular character or trait present in an organism by directing production and activity of RNA.

Used in 10 profiles

genealogy

An account of the direct descent of an individual or group from an ancestor; study or investigation of the evolutionary development of an organism(s) from older, related forms; a record, chart, or table depicting a pattern of descent.

gestation

Period of embryonic development in a viviparous organism.

Used in 31 profiles

gland

Cell, cell group, or organ secreting a substance used elsewhere in the body.

Used in 83 profiles

gonad

Any organ that produces gametes, e.g., a testicle or ovary.

Used in 11 profiles

habitat

The natural home or environment of an organism.

Used in 805 profiles

herbivore

An organism whose diet consists almost exclusively of vegetable matter.

Used in 18 profiles