Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
vore feeding produced by the plant as normal products of growth and
development.
Counteradaptation.
The evolutionary responses of members of a biotic
community to a new invader species.
Cryptic species.
Species that are genetically distinct but are not readily
distinguished by morphological analysis.
Demographic failure.
Excess of mortality over recruitment in a popu-
lation leading to its decline toward extinction.
Deterrence (of herbivory).
A plant's defense mechanism that functions
by preventing an herbivore from consuming or damaging its tissues.
Detritus.
Dead particulate organic matter.
Diapause.
A period of suspended development during the larval stage of
an organism.
Dimorphism.
Exhibiting two distinct forms, as in size, shape, or color.
DNA polymerase.
An enzyme that stimulates the replication of DNA
strands.
DNA primers.
Pairs of molecules consisting of short nucleotide
sequences that attach to complementary sequences of DNA and stimu-
late the replication of the DNA section lying between their attachment
points.
DNA probe.
A short sequence of DNA, chosen to be complementary
to a portion of a gene under analysis.
Endotoxin.
A substance produced in the tissues of an organism that is
toxic to its enemies.
Ecomorph.
A particular body form of an organism that is associated
with a certain habitat or way of life.
Ecotype.
A population of a species that shows genetic adaptation to par-
ticular habitat conditions.
Electrophoresis.
The separation of organic molecules of differing struc-
ture by differential migration through a substrate subjected to an electric
field.
Endemic species.
A species that evolved its identity in the specific
region in which it occurs.
Endangerment.
The reduction of the population of a species to a crit-
