Glossary

182 terms beginning with P · showing 1–40

1. paedomorph

   An organism exhibiting paedomorphism.

2. paedomorphic

   Of, relating to, or concerned with paedomorphism.

   Used in 16 profiles

3. paedomorphism

   Phylogenetic state in which juvenile or larval characters are retained in and throughout the adult stage. May arise via neoteny or progenesis.

4. pair

   A male and a female organism of the same species. Also see breeding pair.

   Used in 866 profiles

5. paired fins

   The pectoral and pelvic/ventral fins, both of which occur in pairs and are analogous to the fore and hind limbs in higher animals.

   Used in 58 profiles

6. palaearctic

   Of, relating to, or being a biogeographic region or subregion covering Europe, coastal northwest Africa, and Asia north of the Himalaya Mountains.

7. palaeoichthyologist

   One who studies fish fossils.

8. palate

   Primarily used in reference to the roof of the mouth but associated bones, including the maxilla and premaxilla, are often included.

   Used in 1 profile

9. 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.

   Used in 12 profiles

10. palatine teeth

    Teeth located on the palatine.

    Used in 4 profiles

11. paleogeography

    Study of the geography of ancient times or epochs, often in relation to geological events.

12. Palghat Gap

    Also known as the 'Palakkad Gap', a low mountain pass representing the major break in the Western Ghats mountain range. The Nilgiri Hills rise to around 1100 m AMSL north of the gap and the Anaimalai Hills approximately 2000 m AMSL to the south, with average elevation within the gap 144 m AMSL. The gap has been shown to represent a biogeographic barrier restricting gene flow between populations of numerous species including Indian elephant and various birds.

    Used in 1 profile

13. palmate

    Having a shape similar to that of a human hand with fingers extended; having webbed digits as in many water birds.

14. paludarium

    Type of vivarium with both aquatic and terrestrial areas.

    Used in 8 profiles

15. papilla

    Small, nipplelike projection of tissue. See genital papilla.

    Used in 31 profiles

16. papillae

    Plural of papilla.

    Used in 118 profiles

17. papillate

    Having or resembling papillae.

    Used in 2 profiles

18. papillose

    Of, relating to, or resembling a papilla.

19. parahypural

    Most ventrally-located of the hypural elements.

20. paralectotype

    In zoological nomenclature, any remaining member of a former syntype series following designation of a lectotype.

    Used in 1 profile

21. parallel evolution

    Development of similar forms or traits in related, but separate, species descending from the same ancestor, but occupying different clades.

    Used in 8 profiles

22. Paramecium

    Genus of unicellular ciliate protozoa with a shape resembling a grain of rice, a number of species of which are cultured as live food for small fishes and fry.

    Used in 117 profiles

23. paraphyletic

    In phylogenetics, a paraphyletic taxon is, loosely, an artificial grouping that does not include all descendants from the common ancestor of its members; monophyletic group from which one or more of clades is omitted in order to form an additional group.

    Used in 42 profiles

24. parasite

    Organism that lives on or in a second, host organism of a different species, with the latter deriving no benefit or being directly harmed by the relationship.

    Used in 133 profiles

25. parasitic

    Of, relating to, caused by, or characteristic of a parasite.

    Used in 6 profiles

26. parasitism

    The relationship existing between a parasite and host; the state of being infested by or being a parasite.

    Used in 3 profiles

27. parasphenoid

    Elongate bone located in the base of the skull in many vertebrate organisms.

    Used in 7 profiles

28. paratype

    In zoological nomenclature, a specimen other than the holotype upon which a description is based, i.e., each specimen of a type series other than the holotype.

    Used in 9 profiles

29. parental care

    See broodcare.

30. parental family

    Behaviour in which both parents equally share the duties of broodcare.

31. parhypural

    The most posterior hemal arch with an open canal through which the dorsal aorta passes.

32. parhypurapophysis

    Paired bony lateral extensions off the hemal arch of the parhypural. Also known as 'hypurapophysis'.

    Used in 1 profile

33. parietal

    Of, relating to, or forming the walls or part of the walls of a body part, organ, cavity, or similar structure. Often used specifically in reference to either of a pair of bones forming much of the upper cranium.

    Used in 42 profiles

34. parthenogenesis

    Method of asexual reproduction by which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual exhibited by certain fishes.

    Used in 1 profile

35. parts per million

    Unit expressing the part of a whole number in units of 1/1000000. Abbreviated to ppm.

36. parts per thousand

    Unit expressing the part of a whole number in units of 1/1000. Abbreviated to ppt.

37. paternal

    Relating to, characteristic of, or inherited from the male parent.

    Used in 63 profiles

38. pathogen

    Any agent causing disease or infection, especially a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism.

39. patronym

    In zoological nomenclature, a taxonomic name derived from the name of a person.

    Used in 2 profiles

40. patronymic

    Of or derived from a personal or family name.