Freshwater bryozoan  (Lophopus crystallinus)

Authentication

Information authenticated by Dr Beth Okamura and Samantha Hill of Reading University:
http://www.ams.reading.ac.uk/zoology/okamura

Glossary

  • Asexually: of asexual reproduction: reproduction that does not involve the formation of sex cells ('gametes'). In many species, asexual reproduction can occur by fission (or in plants 'vegetative reproduction'); part of the organism breaks away and develops into a separate individual. Some animals, including vertebrates can develop from unfertilised eggs, this process, known as parthenogenesis gives rise to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent
  • Budding: type of asexual reproduction (reproduction that does not involve the formation of sex cells), in which new individuals develop from the parent organism, forming a swelling similar in appearance to a bud. The 'bud' slowly separates from the parent as it grows.
  • Colonies: a group of organisms living together, individuals in the group are not physiologically connected and may not be related, such as a colony of birds. Another meaning refers to organisms, such as bryozoans, which are composed of numerous genetically identical modules (also referred to as zooids or 'individuals'), which are produced by budding and remain physiologically connected.
  • Eutrophication: nutrient enrichment of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems.

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (September 2002) http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
  2. S. Hill & Dr B. Okamura (2003) Reading University. Pers. Comm.
  3. UK Biodiversity. Species Action Plan. (September 2002): http://www.ukbap.org.uk
  4. Bratton, J. H. (Ed) (1991) British Red Data Books: 2 Invertebrates other than insects. JNCC, Peterborough.
  5. Buck, D. (2003) The Environment Agency. Pers. Comm.
  6. Allaby, M. (1991) The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Zoology. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
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