Our Livinii Resources — Glossary' 



4HI 



polymorphism. 1 ) The existence of more than 

 one form or type in a species, beyond simple 

 gender differences. Social insects such as hon- 

 eybees with queens, drones, and workers 

 demonstrate polymoiphism. 2) Another term for 

 pleoinorphism. the occuirence of distinct forms 

 during the hfe cycle of a plant or animal, such 

 us the caterpillar and pupa that precede the 

 adult. 



primiparous. Describing an individual bearing 

 a first offspring or that has borne only one off- 

 spring.* 



propagules. Structures (cuttings, seeds, or 

 spores) that propagate a plant.* 



recruitment. The addition of individuals to a 

 population through reproduction and immigra- 

 tion. 



red data book. A catalog published by the 

 International Union for the Conservation of 

 Nature and Natural Resources (lUCN) that lists 

 rare species and those in danger of extinction. 



rumen. The first stomach division in animals 

 known as ruminant that chew cud. such as cows 

 and goats. Rumen is also the term for the first 

 stomach division in whales and in dolphins. 



serai. Of, relating to, or characteristic of an eco- 

 logical sere (a series of ecological communities 

 that follow one another in the course of the biot- 

 ic development of an area or formation from 

 pioneer stage to climax).* 



speciation. The evolutionary development of 



new species, usually as one population sepa- 

 rates into two different populations no longer 

 capable of interbreeding. 



species. A naturally occurring population or 

 group of potentially interbreeding populations 

 that is reproductively isolated (i.e., cannot 

 exchange genetic material) from such other 

 groups. This definition does not apply to asexu- 

 ally reproducing forms such as many types of 

 Monera or Protista, etc. 



subalpine. Describing the region, the climate, 

 the vegetation, or all three found just below 

 alpine regions, usually on mountainsides at 

 1300 to 1800 meters in elevation. Subalpine 

 vegetation is that just below the treeline. often 

 dominated by pine or spruce trees. 



synonomy. The scientific names that have been 

 used in different publications to designate a tax- 

 onomic group, such as species. Also a list of 

 names.* 



voucher. A specimen used for comparison in 

 order to identify or verify species.* 



wetland species. Organisms found in wetlands, 

 lands transistional between aquatic and terres- 

 trial ecosystems that are covered with water for 

 at least part of the year.* 



