Results for “pH”

bloom

A population explosion of phytoplankton such as algae.

Used in 16 profiles

branchial arch

One of the bony or cartilaginous arches situated on either side of the pharynx that form the support for the gills.

Used in 2 profiles

breeding line

A group of identical, pure-breeding diploid or polyploid organisms, distinguished from others of the same species by a unique phenotype and genotype. Important in production of line breeding ornamental fish strains.

brown algae

Vernacular term commonly used in zoology when referring to the largely marine class Phaeophyceae which includes many seaweeds, and in the aquarium hobby to describe growths of brown, diatomic algae.

Used in 1 profile

Cenozoic (Era)

Current and most recent of the three Phanerozoic geological eras, immediately following the Mesozoic Era and covering the period from 65.5 mya to the present. Also known as the 'Age of Mammals' due to the great diversification occurring among that group, it's divided into three periods: Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary; and seven epochs: Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene.

Used in 8 profiles

character

In ichthyology, any characteristic or its attributes used for recognising, describing, defining, or differentiating species, genera or higher taxa. Also used in phylogenetic analyses whereby ancestral (primitive) characters are termed plesiomorphic and derived (novel) characters apomorphic.

Used in 843 profiles

chloroplast

A chlorophyll-containing plastid found in the cells of green plants and some algae within which photosynthesis occurs.

clade

A group of organisms sharing homologous features, believed to have evolved from a common ancestor following the principles of cladistics; a monophyletic group; a grouping hypothesised on the basis of phylogenetic information.

Used in 332 profiles

cladogram

Branching, tree-like diagram used in cladistics to represent the evolutionary tree of life. Used to depict phylogenetic relationships and show points at which species diverged from their common ancestral forms.

cnidarian

Any member of the phylum Cnidaria.

congruence

Correspondence in physical structure, thought or classification.

contiguous

Touching but not physically joined; sharing a common boundary.

Used in 7 profiles

crustacean

Any member of the predominantly aquatic arthropod grouping Crustacea which currently contains almost 70,000 recognised species, including all crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, krill and barnacles. It's difficult to define their characteristics since the group is of arguable hierarchical status, generally regarded to represent either a Phylum or Subphylum.

Used in 421 profiles

cryptic

In biology to refer to an organism or individual tending to conceal or camouflage itself, usually by some phenotypic or morphological means.

Used in 39 profiles

Darwinism

Used here on SF in reference to the theory of biological evolution whereby evolution occurs by a process of natural selection thus ensuring survival of the fittest. Includes some theories unconnected with the work of Charles Darwin and has been applied to a range of different philosophies over time, however.

decomposition

Natural, ecological process in which organic material is broken down into simpler substances which may then be used by other organisms. Typically biotic and carried out by microbes, worms, and other organisms but can also be abiotic and occur via chemical or physical processes such as oxidation or hydrolysis.

Used in 204 profiles

derived

Used in phylogenetics in reference to a character or character state not present in the ancestral form of a species; apomorphic.

Used in 190 profiles

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

diatom

Large group of algae often referred to as 'brown algae' in relation to aquaria. Most are unicellular but there also exist colonial types. Very common component of phytoplankton.