Results for “morphology”

morphology

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

Used in 330 profiles

apomorph

An organism existing in an evolutionary state that represents a morphological advance compared to a previous state. Occurs at an evolutionary branching point and is subsequently carried through only a single descendant group.

cryptic

In biology to refer to an organism or individual tending to conceal or camouflage itself, usually by some phenotypic or morphological means.

Used in 39 profiles

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.

Used in 3 profiles

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

filter feeding

Feeding behaviour in which solid, organic particles are filtered from the surrounding water. Normally involves some degree of specialised morphology.

Used in 1 profile

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

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.

Used in 7 profiles

phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relatedness among species or other groups of organisms. May be based on morphology, molecular data, or both.

Used in 3 profiles

phylogeny

The evolutionary development and history of a species or other taxonomic group. May be based on morphology, molecular data, or both.

Used in 52 profiles

resource partitioning

Form of niche differentiation by which two species partition (divide) a resource based on behavioral or morphological variation in order to ensure their mutual survival by reducing competition.

Used in 11 profiles

ridge

In morphology, an elongate, raised strip, margin or border on a bone, tooth, tissue membrane, etc.

Used in 60 profiles

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.

Used in 99 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

troglomorphic

Used in reference to morphological adaptations to the cave or underground environment such as loss or reduction of pigment or eyes.

Used in 5 profiles

vestigial

Character or morphological feature having attained a simplified structure and reduced size, function and importance during the evolution of a taxon.

Used in 4 profiles