G14fiffGlossary
vertebrates Chordates that possess a backbone.
vesicle A sac, formed by the bulging inward or outward of a section
of the plasma membrane, that moves molecules from place to
place inside a cell but also may transport substances into and out
of the cell.vestigial trait A feature that is inherited from a common ances-
tor but no longer used. Vestigial traits may appear as reduced or
degenerated parts whose function is hard to discern.viral strain Also called serotype. Any of the variant forms of a
particular type of virus.virus A small, infectious agent that can replicate only inside a living
cell.W
warning coloration Bright coloring of an animal that alerts a
potential predator to dangerous chemicals in the animal’s tissues.
Compare camouflage and mimicry.weather Short-term atmospheric conditions, such as today’s
temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity, and cloud cover.
Compare climate.X
X-linked Found solely on the X chromosome. Compare Y-linked.Y
Y-linked Found solely on the Y chromosome. Compare X-linked.yeasts Single-celled fungi that belong in the group zygomycetes
and are important in the rising of bread, the brewing of beer, and
the fermenting of wine.Z
zygomycetes One of three main groups of fungi, containing many
species of molds. Compare ascomycetes and basidiomycetes.zygote The single cell that results from fertilization.