Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Refugia (glacial). Locations where species or communities survived
during the periods of maximum Pleistocene glaciation.
Restriction enzymes. Enzymes that cut DNA or RNA molecules at
points where specific nucleotide sequences occur.
Ruderal habitat. Te rrestrial areas that are characterized by frequent
physical disturbance, such as roadsides and cultivated land.
Selfing. Reproduction by self-fertilization.
Sequencing. Determining the exact nucleotide sequence of DNA or
RNA strands.
Speciation. The differentiation of an ancestral species into daughter
species. Allopatric speciation involves differentiation of populations that
are geographically separate. Sympatric speciation involves differentiation
of populations that coexist in the same region.
Supertramps. Species that are rapid colonists of isolated oceanic islands.
Symbiosis. An interaction between species in which the members (sym-
bionts) live in intimate physical association.
Sympatric speciation. See speciation .
Sympatry. Occurring in the same or overlapping geographic ranges.
Taxon (pl. Taxa). Any group of organisms that is identified by a scien-
tific name.
Taxon cycle. A repeated evolutionary and biogeographic sequence of
invasion, differentiation, specialization, and extinction by members of a
taxonomic group.
Thermocline. The zone at intermediate depth in a stratified lake in
which rapid change in water temperature and density occurs.
Tillers. Multiple shoots produced from the base of a perennial grass.
Tolerance (to herbivory). Plant processes that compensate for damage
caused by herbivore feeding.
Transgenes. Genes from one organism that have been introduced to a
different organism by genetic engineering.
Translocation (chromosomal). A change in chromosome structure in
which a section of a chromosome is moved to a new location.
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