Glossary

morphology

Branch of biology concerned with the form and structure of organisms; the form and structure of an organism.

Used in 330 species profiles

Related terms

cyclo-ctenoid scale
Scale type with morphology intermediate between cycloid and ctenoid, possessing reduced ctenii that are smooth to the touch. Common to certain groups of fishes, e.g., characids.
dimorphism
In biology, the occurrence within a species of two forms which differ distinctly from one another in one or more characters, e.g., colour pattern or morphology.
filter feeding
Feeding behaviour in which solid, organic particles are filtered from the surrounding water. Normally involves some degree of specialised morphology.
palatine
In morphology, a paired lateral bone above the mouth lying between the vomer and maxillary; the presence or absence of teeth on the palatine is a defining character in the classification of some fishes. Also known as autopalatine.
phenotype
The observable physical and biochemical traits of an organism, such as its behaviour, external morphology, colour pattern, phenology, etc. Influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
phylogenetics
The study of evolutionary relatedness among species or other groups of organisms. May be based on morphology, molecular data, or both.
phylogeny
The evolutionary development and history of a species or other taxonomic group. May be based on morphology, molecular data, or both.
ridge
In morphology, an elongate, raised strip, margin or border on a bone, tooth, tissue membrane, etc.
sexual dimorphism
Phenotypic difference between males and females of a single species. Used in species profiles here on SF to refer to differences in morphology or colour pattern, but officially also refers to behavioural differences.

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