Results for “peat”

peat

A compressed accumulation of partially-decomposed, chiefly vegetable matter typically found in certain marshes, bogs, and peat swamp forests throughout the world. It forms via breakdown of various plants and other organic materials in water when full decomposition is prevented due to localised acidic, anaerobic conditions. As a result of this somewhat specific nature the organisms inhabiting peaty environments are often stenotypic and found nowhere else. Peat can be used as a fuel when dried and thus has industrial importance in some countries. Also used in aquaria, especially in order to simulate blackwater habitats, either in pure, artificially-granulated or liquid extract form.

Used in 268 profiles

peat swamp forest

Type of tropical moist forest lying over a thick bed of acidic peat, over 60% of which occur in Indonesia and Malaysia. Typically contain water with very low pH (<4.0) that is stained brown due to the release of various organic compounds from the decaying peat and thus often referred to as blackwater swamps. Usually contain some permanent water but also flood seasonally. Highly biodiverse when in pristine condition, with many species found nowhere else on earth, though increasingly subjected to intensive drainage, burning and subsequent conversion to agriculture in recent decades.

Used in 89 profiles

blackwater

In ichthyological and aquarium literature typically refers to water rich in humic acids and poor in nutrients such as that associated with ancient peat swamps or parts of the Amazon river drainage, and thus differs from clearwater and whitewater. Fish species inhabiting such environments typically require similar conditions in captivity, especially if wild caught.

Used in 169 profiles

bogwood

Non-petrified wood that has been preserved in a peat bog, often used as decoration in aquaria.

Used in 114 profiles

obligate

In biology, able to exist or thrive only under a certain set of environmental conditions, e.g., an obligate peat swamp-dweller.

Used in 148 profiles

tannin

Any of various yellowish or brownish solid compounds found in many plants and used for various commercial purposes. Derived from gallic acid and also known as tannic acid. Often present in water bodies with large amounts of decaying vegetation or where the underlying or surrounding soil contains peat and responsible for the typically brownish (tea-coloured) water in such environments and aquaria containing certain types of wood.

Used in 317 profiles

circadian rhythm

A biological process repeated on a 24 hour (daily) cycle.

Used in 13 profiles

meristic

Having a number of parts, or divided into repeated, countable features; segmented; of or related to such characters.

Used in 13 profiles

microsatellite

Section of DNA comprising very short nucleotide sequences repeated many times. Highly polymorphic and used as a marker to determine genetic diversity, identify important genetic traits, analyse relationships, etc..