| evolution | 1. An unrolling. 2. A process of development in which an organ or organism becomes more and more complex by the differentiation of its parts, a continuous and progressive change according to certain laws and by means of resident forces. Origin: L. Evolutio (18 Nov 1997) |
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| evolution, biologic | A.G. Motulsky in 1968 contrasted biologic evolution with cultural evolution, pointing out that biologic evolution is mediated by genes, shows a slow rate of change, employs random variation (mutations) and selection as agents of change, new variants are often harmful, these new variants are transmitted from parents to offspring, the mode of transmission is simple, complexity is achieved by the rare formation of new genes by chromosome duplication, biologic evolution occurs with all forms of life, and the biology of humans requires cultural evolution. See Evolution, cultural. (12 Dec 1998) |
| evolution, chemical | Chemical and physical transformation of the biogenic elements from their nucleosynthesis in stars to their incorporation and subsequent modification in planetary bodies and terrestrial biochemistry. It includes the mechanism of incorporation of biogenic elements into complex molecules and molecular systems, leading up to the origin of life. (12 Dec 1998) |
| evolution, cultural | By contrast with biologic evolution, A.G. Motulsky in 1968 pointed out that social evolution is mediated by ideas, shows a rapid (exponential) rate of change, is usually purposeful, often beneficial, is widely disseminated by diverse means, is frequently transmitted in complex ways, further complexity comes from the frequent formation of new ideas and new technologies. Cultural evolution is unique to humans among all forms of life. Human culture required biologic evolution to achieve the human brain. See Evolution, social. (12 Dec 1998) |
| evolution, molecular | Evolution at the molecular level of DNA sequences and proteins. (rieger et al., glossary of genetics: classical and molecular, 5th ed) (12 Dec 1998) |
| evolution, planetary | Creation and development of bodies within solar systems, includes study of early planetary geology. (12 Dec 1998) |
| acute organic brain syndrome | <syndrome> A constellation of behavioural or psychological signs and symptoms including problems with attention, concentration, memory, confusion, anxiety, and depression caused by transient or permanent dysfunction of the brain. Synonym: acute organic brain syndrome, OBS, organic mental syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| volatile organic compounds | (VOC) Emissions of non-methane hydrocarbons, measured by standard DEQ methods. (05 Dec 1998) |
| substance-induced organic mental disorders | Mental disorders caused by use of drugs, e.g., cocaine. (05 Mar 2000) |
| organic | Any foods grown without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, in soil made rich by composting and mulching. Pertaining to carbon-based compounds produced by living plants, animals or by synthetic processes. (27 Sep 1997) |
| organic acid | An acid made up of molecules containing organic radicals; e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, which contain the ionizable -COOH group. (05 Mar 2000) |
| organic brain syndrome | <syndrome> A constellation of behavioural or psychological signs and symptoms including problems with attention, concentration, memory, confusion, anxiety, and depression caused by transient or permanent dysfunction of the brain. Synonym: acute organic brain syndrome, OBS, organic mental syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| organic catalyst | A catalyst that is an organic molecule. See: enzyme, ribozyme. (05 Mar 2000) |
| organic chemicals | A broad class of substances containing carbon and its derivatives. Many of these chemicals will frequently contain hydrogen with or without oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and other elements. They exist in either carbon chain or carbon ring form. (12 Dec 1998) |
| organic chemistry | <chemistry> A branch of chemistry that deals specifically with the structures, synthesis and reactions of carbon-containing compounds. (11 Jan 1998) |