| ecosystem function | The collective intraspecific and interspecific interactions of the biota, such as primary and secondary production and mutualistic relationships. The interactions between organisms and the physical environment, such as nutrient cycling, soil development, water budgeting, and flammability. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| parasite-host ecosystem | Complex of all parasite species and individuals associated with a specific host. Synonym: parasite-host ecosystem. Origin: parasite + G. Koinos, common, together (05 Mar 2000) |
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| historic ecosystem | The ecosystem intended for restoration which currently exists, or has been known to exist from historical documents, within the geographic region of a restoration site. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ecosystem | <ecology> An ecosystem is the dynamic and interrelating complex of plant and animal communities and their associated non-living environment. The physical and climactic features and all the living and dead organisms in an area that are interrelated in the transfer of energy and material. An interacting complex of a community and its environment functioning as an ecological unit in nature. Differs from system in being a more rigorous definition that encompasses and requires assumptions of energetics, ecological interactions, species adaptations and so forth. (13 Nov 1997) |
| ecosystem altering | Any activity that modifies the biota including species composition, distribution, and abundance and any activity that modifies the physical environment, including soils and the water cycle. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ecosystem dynamics | Those intrinsic ecological functions through which an ecosystem becomes self-regulating, self-sustaining, and capable of recovery from external forces (for example, damaging storm events). These intrinsic processes may cause continual change in biotic composition and structure at specific localities. Collectively, these changes represent internal flux, rather than substantive and permanent alteration of the ecosystem regionally. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ecosystem structure | The physical and spatial aspects of an ecosystem that are contributed by the biotic composition. Biotic composition is generally determined by the collective physiognomy of the dominant plants, including life forms, vertical stratification, and size. (09 Oct 1997) |
| acquired platelet function defect | <haematology> Platelet function can be affected by a number of different disease processes including polycythaemia vera, leukaemia, myelofibrosis, renal failure, multiple myeloma and some medications (for example penicillins, salicylates, phenothiazines). Disturbed blood clotting can be manifested by: easy bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, abnormal vaginal bleeding, rectal bleeding, skin rash, vomiting blood, coughing up blood or blood in the urine. A measure of bleeding time and coagulation profile will be part of the evaluation. (29 Dec 1997) |
| allomeric function | The combined function of the several segments of the spinal cord and medulla, communicating with each other by means of the white matter. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aperture function | <microscopy> In a diffraction-limited optical system, the function that determines the relationship between the image and each point in the object. Modifying the aperture function changes the image according to the modified Fourier-filtering (or optical filtration) property of the aperture. (05 Aug 1998) |
| arousal function | The ability of a sensory event to arouse the cortex to vigilance or readiness. (05 Mar 2000) |
| atrial function | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the atria. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial function, left | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the left atrium. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial function, right | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the right atrium. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial transport function | The role of the atria in filling and stretching the ventricles by their presystolic contraction, without which the force of ventricular contraction and hence the cardiac output may significantly decrease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pancreatic function tests | Tests based on the biochemistry and physiology of the exocrine pancreas and involving analysis of blood, duodenal contents, feces, or urine for products of pancreatic secretion. (12 Dec 1998) |