| 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 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) |
| 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) |
| ecotaxis | Migration of lymphocytes "homing" from the thymus and bone marrow into tissues possessing an appropriate microenvironment. Origin: eco-+ G. Taxis, order, arrangement (05 Mar 2000) |
| ecotone | A transition area between two distinct habitats, where the ranges of the organisms in each bordering habitat overlap, and where there are organisms unique to the transition area. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ecotoxicology | <study> Ecotoxicology is the scientific study of harmful effects caused by manmade chemicals to the natural environment, especially effects on populations, communities, and ecosystems, an essential part of ecotoxicology is the study of the movement of potentially toxic substances through food webs and through the water cycle, etc. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ecotropic | <virology> A retrovirus (virus which uses RNA instead of DNA to encode its genome) that can reproduce only in the host of the species in which it originated. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ecotropic virus | An oncornavirus that does not produce disease in its natural host but does replicate in tissue culture cells derived from the host species. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ecotype | A subspecies, or breed, that has adapted to its local environment and as a result is distinctive from other members of the species, but can still successfully interbreed with other members of the species. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ecouteur | One who obtains erotic gratification through listening to sexual accounts. Origin: Fr. A listener-in (05 Mar 2000) |
| ecouvillon | A brush with firm bristles for freshening sores or abrading the interior of a cavity. Origin: Fr., cleaning brush (05 Mar 2000) |
| ECP | <microscopy> A pattern formed by the periodic backscattering of electrons by the specimen lattice in a transmission electron microscope. Allows determination of crystal structure and lattice parameters in crystals greater than 10 micrometres diameter. Acronym: ECP (05 Aug 1998) |
| ecphoria | The recall of memory. Origin: G. Ek, out, + phora, a carrying (05 Mar 2000) |
| ecphorise | To revive a memory. Origin: see ecphoria (05 Mar 2000) |