biology-dictionary_11-06-2009

(ff) #1

Monophyletic
Pertaining to a taxon derived from a single ancestral species that gave rise to no species in
any other taxa.
Monosaccharide
A The simplest carbohydrate, active alone or serving as a monomer for disaccharides and
polysaccharides. Also known as simple sugars, the molecular formulas of monosaccharides
are generally some multiple of CH 2 O.
Monotreme
An egg-laying mammal, represented by the platypus and echidna.
Monounsaturated
Relating to an organic compound, usually a fatty acid, having only one double bond per
molecule.
Morel
An edible mushroom with a pitted cap.
Morphogen
A substance, such as bicoid protein, that provides positional information in the form of a
concentration gradient along an embryonic axis.
Morphogenesis
The development of body shape and organization during ontogeny.
Morphological
Pertaining to form and structure, at any level of organization.
Morphological species concept
The idea that species are defined by measurable anatomical criteria.
Morphology
The form and structure of an organism and its parts.
Morphospecies
A species defined by its anatomical features.
Mortality rate
Death rate.

Free download pdf