Results for “process”

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

natural selection

Term introduced by Charles Darwin referring to the nonrandom mechanism of evolution by which certain biological traits become either more or less common in a population due to differential, environmentally-influenced reproduction. Better-adapted individuals tend to produce more offspring, thus the population evolves, and this process can result in populations that gradually become specialised to inhabit particular ecological niches and can eventually result in the emergence of new species.

nitrate reactor

Piece of aquarium equipment that can be thought of as an anaerobic filter. Provides a means by which large enough populations of anaerobic bacteria can be maintained so that nitrates are actively removed from the water in the form of nitrogen gas, a process normally facilitated by regular partial water changes. Also known as a nitrogen filter.

nitrates

Any salt or ester of nitric acid, and the end product of the portion of the nitrogen cycle taking place in most closed aquarium systems (the conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas in natural systems is carried out by anaerobic microorganisms not normally present in sufficient numbers in aquaria, though this process can be induced by installation of a nitrate reactor). While nitrates are less toxic than ammonia or nitrites, they are still potentially harmful to fishes and other aquatic organisms if allowed to accumulate unchecked, and must therefore be diluted via regular water changes. Aquatic plants also help since they are able to metabolise nitrates to an extent.

Used in 20 profiles

ossification

The natural process of bone formation.

Used in 1 profile

outcross

The process of outcrossing or offspring resulting from it.

oxidation

Chemical process whereby an atom or ion loses electrons and undergoes a subsequent increase in valence; the combination of a substance with oxygen; the act or result of being oxidised. Opposite of reduction.

oxygenation

Process of providing, combining, or treating with oxygen.

Used in 273 profiles

photosynthesis

Chemical process occurring in the cells of plants, algae and certain other organisms by which carbon dioxide is converted into organic compounds, especially sugars, using the energy from sunlight.

protein skimmer

Mechanical device used to remove organic compounds in marine aquaria via the process of foam fractionation.

Used in 1 profile

redox

Abbreviation of reduction-oxygenation. Used in reference to a chemical process whereby one substance or molecule undergoes reduction and another oxidation.

reproduction

Production of offspring via a sexual or asexual process.

Used in 111 profiles

respiration

The process by which an organism acquires the oxygen necessary for metabolism and expels excess carbon dioxide formed during energy-yielding reactions.

Used in 7 profiles

reverse osmosis unit

Device used to purify water via the process of reverse osmosis. Some units combine both reverse osomosis and deionisation functions.

Used in 56 profiles

seta

A rigid hair, bristle, or bristlelike process or appendage.

sex

See gender. Also used to refer to the process of distinguishing the gender of an individual; sexing.

Used in 304 profiles

sexing

The process of distinguishing the gender of an individual.

Used in 30 profiles

spine

See fin spine; also a hard, pointed, protective outgrowth or process elsewhere on the body, e.g., a preopercular spine; the spinal column of a vertebrate.

Used in 414 profiles

sport

In biology, to result in or undergo a mutation; an individual having undergone this process.

Used in 25 profiles

stunting

The process of impeding the growth or development of.