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
C
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
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)
Fecundity: the ability to produce high quantites of offspring (often associated with r-selected species)