A
Aboral: the side or end that is furthest from the mouth
B
Bioaccumulation: the gradual concentration of chemicals in a biological organism’s body over time
Bitypic: a genus that consists of two species
C
Cilia: a short hair-like protrusion from cells that can function in movement, sensation, and/or signaling depending on the organism
Commensalism: a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is not affected
D
E
El Niño: a climate pattern in which trade winds weaken and warm water is pushed back east towards the west coast of the Americas. Upwelling weakens or stops altogether, which can cause nutrient-poor waters.
Ephermal: short-lived
Epiphyte: any plant that grows upon another plant or object for physical support
Epizoan: an external parasitic organism
Euryhaline: organisms that can adapt to a wide range of salinity levels
F
Fecundity: the ability to produce high quantites of offspring (often associated with r-selected species)
G
H
Hermaphrodites: an animal having both male and female reproductive organs, structures, or tissue
I
J
K
L
M
Mutualism: a type of symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from the relationship
N
Nematocysts: a type of organelle within cnidocytes that contain toxins intended to immobilize prey. Typically present around the mouth and tentacles
O
P
Pantropical: distribution throughout the tropic regions of both hemispheres
Parasitism: a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism (parsite) benefits, and the other organism (host) is harmed
Photic Zone: the uppermost layer of a body of water; enough light penetrates the water in this zone to allow for photosynthesis
Q
R
S
Sessile: fixed in one location or immobile
Sexually Dimorphic: male and female sexes differ morphologically and can be distinguished by their physical features
Sexually Monomorphic: male and female sexes are morphologically similar and can only be distinguished by their genitalia
Spermatophore: a protein capsule containing a mass of spermatozoa
Symbiotic: an ongoing relationship between two organisms of different species (see mutualism, commensalism, and competition)
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Zooxanthellae: single-celled photosynthetic organisms that live in symbiosis with diverse marine invertebrates like corals, jellyfish, demosponges, and nudibranchs. The zooxanthellae produce energy, during daylight, by means of photosynthesis with the energy being passed along to their hosts, sometimes providing up to 90% of the host’s total energy needs. In return, the host provides nutrients, carbon dioxide, and a secure, sunlit, platform.