Dictionary of key terms

AUTOTROPH: Organism that can make their own food. Example: Green plants/certain bacteria. HETEROTROPH: Organism that cannot make their own food. Example: Farm animals. PARASITE: Organism that lives in or off another called the host, causing harm.

Example: Liver fluke. SAPROPHYTE: Organism that feeds off dead or decaying matter. Example: Fungi. BINARY FISSION: Method by which bacteria reproduce.

ENDOSPORE: Structure which allows for bacteria to survive in harsh conditions.

SYMBIOSIS: Relationship where two organisms live together and at least one benefits.

Example: Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between an alga and a fungus. NOTIFIABLE DISEASE: A disease which is highly contagious, has to be reported to the authorities and confirmed cases slaughtered. Example: TB, brucellosis, Foot and Mouth. ZOONOSE: An animal disease that can be passed onto humans. Example: TB, ringworm. BIOSECURITY: Measures to inhibit the spread of disease.

NITROGEN FIXATION: The process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted to nitrates which plants can use. METAMORPHOSIS: The change in structure in insects from young to adult.

RADULA: Rasping tongue used by members of the Phylum Mollusca for feeding. CLITELLUM: Reproductive structure in earthworms. CHAETAE: Bristles which earthworms use for movement. COELOM: A fluid filled cavity used to protect internal organs.

INDICATOR SPECIES: A species which shows the conditions in a habitat. Examples: Buttercups = wet soil Thistle = dry, sandy soil Rhododendron (below) = acidic soil Clover = alkaline soil