line breeding
Selective inbreeding in order to maintain or favour desired traits in organisms. Common in the ornamental fish hobby and industry.
Results for “organism”
Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
mandible
The lower jaw bone of a vertebrate organism.
Used in 2 profiles
membrane
Thin, usually flexible layer of tissue covering, lining, separating, or connecting cells or parts of an organism.
Used in 67 profiles
metabolism
Sum total of the chemical processes occurring in living organisms which are necessary to maintain life.
Used in 1 profile
metamorphosis
A physical change or succession of such changes in form during the life cycle of an organism.
Used in 3 profiles
micropredator
Feeding on very small organisms or particles.
Used in 237 profiles
mimic
To resemble closely; imitate; simulate; take on the appearance of; an organism displaying mimicry.
Used in 21 profiles
mimicry
Resemblance of one organism to another, usually for protective purposes.
Used in 1 profile
monoecious
Having both the male and female reproductive organs in the same specimen; hermaphrodite. Opposite of dioecious.
morphometrics
Form of taxonomical analysis utilising the morphometry of organisms.
Used in 2 profiles
morphometry
Measurement of the structure, form, and parts of organisms.
mulm
Organic sediment which typically accumulates in an aquarium.
Used in 2 profiles
mutualism
Symbiosis from which both organisms involved derive some benefit.
neuromast
Individual sense organ of the lateral line system, comprising nerve fibres connected to a cluster of sensory cells.
niche
The position or role occupied by an organism within an ecological community.
Used in 39 profiles
nitrates
Any salt or ester of nitric acid, and the end product of the portion of the nitrogen cycle taking place in most closed aquarium systems (the conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas in natural systems is carried out by anaerobic microorganisms not normally present in sufficient numbers in aquaria, though this process can be induced by installation of a nitrate reactor). While nitrates are less toxic than ammonia or nitrites, they are still potentially harmful to fishes and other aquatic organisms if allowed to accumulate unchecked, and must therefore be diluted via regular water changes. Aquatic plants also help since they are able to metabolise nitrates to an extent.
Used in 20 profiles
oedema
Excess and subsequent accummulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or body cavities of an organism. Also spelled 'edema'.
oligotroph
An organism able to live in oligotrophic environments.
omnivore
An organism that consumes both plants and animals.
Used in 148 profiles
osmoregulation
Active regulation of osmotic pressure, especially in the body of a living organism or cell, in order to prevent the body fluids from becoming too diluted or concentrated.