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Glossary

Glossary

Every technical term used here, defined.

Terms
1,702
With an illustration
23
Cross-references
66
Used in profiles
1,807

77 terms beginning with D · showing 41–77

  2. diatoms

    Plural of diatom.

    Used in 108 profiles

  3. dichotomous key

    Species identification key comprising pairs of alternative choices arranged in a series of couplets, used commonly in ichthyological papers.

  4. dichotomy

    A division of organisms into two groups, typically based on a characteristic present in one group and absent in the other.

  5. dichromatic

    Having two different colour forms independant of sex or age.

    Used in 1 profile

  6. dichromatism

    The quality or condition of being dichromatic.

    Used in 1 profile

  7. dimorphic

    Exhibiting dimorphism.

    Used in 6 profiles

  8. 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.

    Used in 2 profiles

  9. dioecious

    Within a species, having the male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals.

  10. diploid

    Containing two complete sets of chromosomes, i.e., one from each parent.

    Used in 2 profiles

  11. disjunct

    Distinctly separated from one another.

    Used in 4 profiles

  13. dissolved oxygen

    The concentration of oxygen dissolved in a water body. Normally expressed in milligrams per liter, parts per million, or percentage saturation.

    Used in 296 profiles

  14. distal

    Located away from the point or origin of attachment or a central point of the body. Opposite of proximal.

    Used in 133 profiles

  15. distensible

    Capable of being distended or extended; able to stretch.

    Used in 5 profiles

  16. distributary

    Type of stream or river that branches off and flows away from a main channel. Particularly common in river deltas, but also occur inland in some cases.

    Used in 2 profiles

  17. dither fish

    Fish or group of fish, typically inhabiting open water in the mid-to-upper water column, used by aquarists to reduce innate shyness in other species.

    Used in 65 profiles

  18. diurnal

    Of, relating to, or occuring during daylight hours; having a daily cycle. Opposite of nocturnal.

    Used in 6 profiles

  20. divergence

    The state of being divergent.

    Used in 12 profiles

  21. divergent

    Differing or deviating.

    Used in 3 profiles

  22. diverse

    Differing from one another; exhibiting variety.

    Used in 143 profiles

  23. diversity

    The state of being diverse.

    Used in 283 profiles

  24. diverticulum

    A pouch or sac branching from a hollow organ or structure, such as the alimentary canal.

    Used in 10 profiles

  25. DNA

    Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, a double-stranded, self-replicating genetic material comprised of a chain of nucleotides. Present in nearly all living organisms and is the main constituent of chromosomes. DNA segments containing genetic instructions are called genes and normally direct production and activity of RNA.

    Used in 11 profiles

  26. dorsal

    Of, toward, on, in, or near the back or upper surface of an organism or part.

    Used in 667 profiles

  28. dorsal-fin

    Median, rayed, unpaired fin located on the dorsal surface (back) of most fishes. Its main purpose is to prevent the animal rolling and enable it to turn sharply. Some species possess more than one dorsal fin, in which case the anterior one is referred to as the first.

    Used in 860 profiles

  29. dorsolateral

    Positioned or orientated between the dorsal and lateral surfaces.

    Used in 7 profiles

  30. dorsoventral

    Positioned or orientated between the dorsal and ventral surfaces.

    Used in 3 profiles

  32. dorsum

    The upper surface of the head, body or part.

    Used in 157 profiles

  33. drip acclimation

    Method of acclimation used for sensitive fish species in which the animals are first placed into a clean bucket or other container before water is slowly dripped in by siphon from the aquarium into which they are to be introduced. Can be carried out using a purchased kit or home-made using a length of airline plus an airline clamp.

  34. dropsy

    Accumulation of fluid in cellular tissue or other body cavity, symptomatic of some underlying infection or other health issue but not a disease in itself. May also be referred to as 'oedema' or 'edema'.

  35. durophagous

    Feeding on hard-shelled or exoskeleton-bearing organisms such as molluscs.

  36. dusky

    Darkish in colour.

    Used in 29 profiles

  37. dwarfism

    Condition of having atypically small size.