Results for “sp.”

spinous

Possessing or resembling a spine.

Used in 82 profiles

spp.

Abbreviation used when two or more species are being referred to.

spur

In fishes, normally refers to a a stiff sharp spine or bony outgrowth.

barb

In zoology, used to refer to a small spine projecting from a larger one; alternative name for spinule and, sometimes, barbel. Also used to refer to cyprinid fishes of the genera Barbus, Puntius, Systomus and related species.

Used in 189 profiles

biological species concept

Most popular concept of species in vertebrate zoology. Defines species as members of populations that do or potentially could interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature, regardless of appearance, therefore somewhat more restrictive than the phylogenetic species concept. In theory species are thus separated from one another by some form of reproductive isolation, though in practice this does not always hold true. Often abbreviated to BSC.

mound spring

Natural, isolated, relict artesian springs found in arid, outback Queensland and South Australia. Water stored in deep aquifers seeps to the surface through fault lines in the rock, and the sediments and salts within the spring water form elevated mounds as it evaporates. Most such springs support marginal plant growth that help stabilise the sediment and provide shelter for animals. In South Australia mound springs form an arc of about 400km along the south-western edge of the Great Artesian Basin, although many have disappeared in the last 100 years as a result of water extraction.

Used in 1 profile

exotic species

A species occurring outside its known natural range, most often due to accidental or intentional dispersal by human activities. Also referred to as introduced or alien species.

Used in 19 profiles

sibling species

One of two or more very closely-related species that are reproductively isolated from one another but almost indistinguishable in morphologically and/or behaviourally. May occur sympatrically and even interbreed but are incapable of producing fertile hybrid offspring. Sometimes referred to as cryptic species.

Used in 3 profiles

species

Taxonomic rank into which a genus is divided, but otherwise difficult to delineate precisely with a single definition satisfying all eventualities still lacking to date. There exist a number of concepts of which the most popular in vertebrate taxonomy include the biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.

Used in 1,790 profiles

species inquirenda

Latin term meaning a species of doubtful identity requiring further investigation; a questionable species.

Used in 2 profiles

allopatric speciation

Speciation event driven by some form of physical separation, e.g., the formation of new mountain ranges, followed by development of new genotypes and/or phenotypes.

Used in 2 profiles

interopercular spine

Spine located on the interopercle, present in some fishes.

Used in 3 profiles

native species

Species occurring in a given region or ecosystem only as a result of natural processes, with no human intervention.

Used in 12 profiles

spawning migration

Migration of fishes to a spawning site or area, occurring in certain fishes. Variable in extent.

Used in 10 profiles

species flock

Diverse group of closely-related, biologically distinct species occurring in an isolated area.

species name

Scientific name of a species; binomen.

Used in 25 profiles

sphenoid

Wedge-shaped; a bone at the base of the skull; of or relating to the sphenoid bone.