| + AMBI ecological group | AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index ecological group | |
| very sensitive to disturbance | Species very sensitive to disturbance and present under undisturbed conditions (they are present in mature systems). | 390863 |
| indifferent to disturbance | Species indifferent to disturbance, always present in low densities with non-significant variations with time (they are present in mature systems and slight unbalanced). | 390863 |
| tolerant to disturbance | Species tolerant to disturbance. These species may occur under normal conditions (e.g. in naturally disturbed or enriched conditions, such as estuaries), but their populations are stimulated by some disturbances, such as organic enrichment (present in slight unbalanced situations). | 390863 |
| second-order opportunistic | Second-order opportunistic species, able to resist some periods of low oxygen levels, and some concentration of pollutants (present in slight to pronounced unbalanced situations). | 390863 |
| first-order opportunistic | First-order opportunistic species, able to resist very low oxygen levels, episodes of anoxia and high concentration of pollutants, early and successful pioneers (present in pronounced unbalanced situations). | 390863 |
| + Asexual reproduction | Reproduction which does not involve formation and fusion of gametes and results in progeny with an identical genetic constitution to the parent and to each other. Reproduction may occur by binary fission, budding, asexual spore formation or vegetative propagation. In asexual division in eukaryotic organisms, all cell divisions are by mitosis. | 424973 |
| yes | The taxon reproduces asexually, which is reproduction which does not involve fusion of gametes or meiosis and usually results in progeny with an identical genetic constitution to the parent and to each other. Asexual reproduction may amongst others occur by binary fission, budding, asexual spore formation or vegetative propagation (adapted from Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| by unknown mechanism | Asexual reproduction is detected, but the underpinning mechanism is unknown. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| by direct development of spores | Reproduction by asexual spores resulting in a new individual of the same ploidy (exospore, endospore, monospore, bispore, paraspore, zoospore, aplanospore, autospore). (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| by fragmentation | Type of asexual reproduction in which the organism breaks up into smaller pieces, each of which can develop into a new individual, as in some algae. | 424973 |
| by parthenogenesis | Reproduction from a female gamete without fertilization by a male gamete (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Direct development of a new individual from an unfused gamete. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 424973 |
| by vegetative propagules | Any spore, seed, fruit or other part of a plant or microorganism capable of producing a new plant and used as a means of dispersal (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Asexual reproduction by development of a new individual from a vegetative progagule. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 424973 |
| by binary fission | Binary fission in prokaryotic organisms, the chief mode of division, in which a cell divides into two equal daughter cells, each containing a copy of the chromosome. | 424973 |
| by budding | (1) production of buds; (2) (zool.) method of asexual reproduction common in sponges, coelenterates and some other invertebrates, in which new individuals develop as outgrowths of the parent organism, and may eventually be set free; (3) (bot.) artificial vegetative propagation by insertion of a bud within the bark of another plant; (4) (mycol.) cell division by the outgrowth of a new cell from the parent cell; (5) (virol.) release of certain animal viruses from the host cell by their envelopment in a piece of plasma membrane which subsequently pinches off from the cell. | 424973 |
| no | The taxon does not reproduce asexually, which is reproduction which does not involve formation and fusion of gametes and results in progeny with an identical genetic constitution to the parent and to each other. Reproduction may occur by binary fission, budding, asexual spore formation or vegetative propagation. In asexual division in eukaryotic organisms, all cell divisions are by mitosis. | 424973 |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown whether or not this organism reproduces asexually. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Locality (MRGID) | Marine Regions Geographic IDentifier (MRGID) for a place name in the Marine Regions gazetteer | |
| + Body shape | The general shape of the body of an organism. | |
| branched | Forming main and lateral branches (and branchlets) (macroalgae thallus; Womersley, 1987). | 345374 |
| capitate | (1) Enlarged or swollen at tip; (2) Gathered into a mass at tip of stem or apex (Adapted from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's dictionary of Biology). | 424973 |
| crustose | Forming a thin crust on the substratum, appl. certain lichens, sponges, algae (adapted from Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| cushion-like | Approximating the shape of a cushion (macroalgae thallus; Womersley, 1987). | 345374 |
| discoid | (1) Flat and circular; (2) Disc-shaped (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| erect | Upright; (1) appl. ovule, directed towards summit of ovary; (2) appl. plants, growing upright, not decumbent. | 424973 |
| filamentous | Existing out of a branched or unbranched row of cells joined end to end (macroalgae thallus; Womersley, 1987). | 345374 |
| flabellate | With projecting flaps on one side, appl. to certain insect antennae (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Fan-shaped, thallus usually expanding upward from a narrow base. (macroalgae thallus; Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 424973 |
| foliose | (1) With many leaves; (2) Having leaf-like lobes, appl. the thallus of some lichens and liverworts (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Leaf-like (macroalgae thallus; Womersley, 1987). | 424973 |
| pinnate | (1) Divided in a feathery manner; (2) having lateral processes; (3) (bot.) of a compound leaf, having leaflets on each side of an axis or midrib (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). With laterals or branches arranged along each side of an axis or branch (macroalgae thallus; Womersley, 1987). | 424973 |
| prostrate | Trailing on the ground or lying closely along a surface (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| saccate | Pouched (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Inflated, or sac-like (macroalgae thallus; Womersley, 1987). | 424973 |
| spheric | Approximating the shape of a sphere (macroalgae thallus; Womersley, 1987). | 345374 |
| tubular | In the form of a tube, having tubes, consisting of tubes (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature what the body shape (thallus) is for this taxon. | |
| filiform | Resembling a filament (Olivier De Clerck). Thread-like. | 380501 |
| mucilaginous | Consisting of a slippery and slimy texture (Maggs & Hommersand, 1993). Containing, or composed of mucilage (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 200744 |
| stoloniferous | Forming a prostrate axis, lying on or in the substrate, from which erect branches arise (Womersley, 1984). Bearing a stolon or stolons (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 200706 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Body size | A measurement of the size of the organism. The measurement used to express body size varies within taxonomic groups. For example, some disciplines measure diameter, others carapace length, total body length or wing span. Also, body size can vary with gender and life stage. | |
| + Body size (qualitative) | Trait that describes the size class of an organism. | |
| <0.2 mm | Individual organisms with a mean body size smaller than 0.2 mm (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| 0.2 - 2.0 mm | Individual organisms with a mean body size between 0.2 and 2.0 mm (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| 2.0 - 200 mm | Individual organisms with a mean body size between 2.0 and 200 mm (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| 200 mm | Individual organisms with a mean body size larger than 200 mm (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Sex | The sex of an organism. The sum of all structural, functional and behavioural characteristics distingiusing males, females and hermaphrodites. (Lincoln et al., 1998). The sum characteristics, structures, features and functions by which a plant or animal is classed as male or female. In some animals sex is entirely genetically determined, in others the sex may change in response to environmental conditions. (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005) | 416344 |
| male | The attribute is valid for organisms of the male gender; the sperm producing form of a a bisexual or dioecious organism. | 416344 |
| female | The attribute is valid for organisms of the female gender; the egg producing form of a bisexual or dioecious organism. | 416344 |
| male & female | The attribute is valid for both organisms of the male gender and organisms of the female gender. | |
| hermaphrodite | The attribute is valid for hermaphroditic organisms. Having both male and female reproductive organs in the same individual (animal) or the same flower (plant); androgyne; bisexual; the maturation of the male organs before the female is protandrous hermaphroditism; the female before the male is protogynous hermaphroditism, and simultaneously is syncrhonous hermaphroditism. | 416344 |
| undetermined | It has not yet been determined for which gender this attribute is valid. | |
| male/unsexed | The attribute is valid for organisms of the male gender or for organisms for which the gender has not yet been identified. | |
| + Corresponding length | Corresponding length of a length-width pair for Nematoda. | |
| + Corresponding width | Corresponding width of a length-width pair for Nematoda. | |
| + Dimension | The dimension of a body size (e.g. length, width, diameter). | |
| length | Maximum recorded linear body length (in millimetres) excluding appendages. [Source: https://marinespecies.org/traits/wiki/Traits:Bodylength] | |
| width | A measurement or extent of something from side to side; the lesser of two or the least of three dimensions of a body. [Source: https://marinespecies.org/traits/wiki/Traits:Width] | 424864 |
| diameter | The length of a straight line passing from side to side through the centre of a body or figure, especially a circle or sphere. | |
| height | | |
| thickness | | |
| wingspan | The distance between the wing tips when the wings are held outstretched. | |
| volume | | |
| corresponding length | Corresponding length of a length-width pair for Nematoda. | |
| corresponding width | Corresponding width of a length-width pair for Nematoda. | |
| thallus length | Maximum length observed for the regarding thallus feature. | |
| thallus diameter | Maximum diameter observed for the regarding thallus feature. | |
| weight | | |
| corresponding weight | | |
| standard length (SL) | The measurement from the most anterior tip of the body to the midlateral posterior edge of the hypural plate (in fish with a hypural plate) or to the posterior end of the vertebral column (in fish lacking hypural plates). It may be restricted to the tip of the snout if the lower jaw projects. The base of the caudal fin (end of the vertebral column or posterior edge of the hypural plate) is determined by flexing the tail up while the caudal peduncle is held down. The resultant wrinkle or caudal flexure indicates the caudal base. It may also be determined by probing or dissection. Sometimes the posteriormost point is the last scale, the last pored scale or the beginning of the caudal fin rays. It is the usual scientific measurement for length of a fish except in Myxini, Petromyzontiformes, Elasmobranchii and Holocephali. This measurement is used because long-preserved fish often lose the tips of the caudal fin rays through breakage after the desiccation effect of alcohol. See total length and fork length. In Holocephali the length is usually taken from the tip of the snout to the origin of the upper caudal fin because the caudal filament breaks off frequently. In Scaridae it is taken back to the rear margin of the second to last lateral line scale {because the large scales obscure the point of caudal flexure. In small dead fish, the end point is detected by bending the caudal fin to one side. In fishery work, as a result of the use of the measuring board, standard-, fork- and total length are taken from the most anterior part of the head. Abbreviated as SL. | 1128 |
| total length (TL) | The greatest length of the whole body between the most anterior point of the body and the most posterior point, in a straight line, not over the curve of the body. Sometimes, when there are two equal lobes, the caudal rays are squeezed together and their tip is taken as the most posterior point (excluding the caudal filaments), or the longest lobe is squeezed to the midline (maximum length or extreme tip length). Also an imaginary line may be drawn between the two lobe tips and length to its mid-point taken as the most posterior point (total auxiliary length or bilobular length). Usually the tip of the most posterior lobe of the fin in normal position is taken as the posteriormost point (total normal length or natural tip length). Total length is used by taxonomists in Myxini, Petromyzontiformes, usually in Elasmobranchii and sometimes in other fishes. Standard length is usually employed with Teleostei. Abbreviated TL. | 1128 |
| fork length (FL) | Length of a fish measured from the tip of the snout to the posterior end of the middle caudal rays. This measurement is used instead of standard length for fishes on which it is difficult to ascertain the end of the vertebral column, and instead of total length in fish with stiff, forked tail, e.g., tuna. Mostly used in fishery biology and not in systematics. | 1128 |
| width of disk (WD) | The greatest distance between the lateral tips of the pectoral fins in Rajiformes. | 1128 |
| prosome length | Length of the promose, which is the anterior tagma of the copepod body comprising the cephalosome plus the first to fifth pedigerous somites in gymnoplean copepods, and the cephalosome plus the first to fourth pedigerous somites in podoplean copepods. | 93637 |
| patch diameter | Diameter of a mat, cluster or tuft of individuals. | 451427 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Locality (MRGID) | Marine Regions Geographic IDentifier (MRGID) for a place name in the Marine Regions gazetteer | |
| + Sex | The sex of an organism. The sum of all structural, functional and behavioural characteristics distingiusing males, females and hermaphrodites. (Lincoln et al., 1998). The sum characteristics, structures, features and functions by which a plant or animal is classed as male or female. In some animals sex is entirely genetically determined, in others the sex may change in response to environmental conditions. (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005) | 416344 |
| male | The attribute is valid for organisms of the male gender; the sperm producing form of a a bisexual or dioecious organism. | 416344 |
| female | The attribute is valid for organisms of the female gender; the egg producing form of a bisexual or dioecious organism. | 416344 |
| male & female | The attribute is valid for both organisms of the male gender and organisms of the female gender. | |
| hermaphrodite | The attribute is valid for hermaphroditic organisms. Having both male and female reproductive organs in the same individual (animal) or the same flower (plant); androgyne; bisexual; the maturation of the male organs before the female is protandrous hermaphroditism; the female before the male is protogynous hermaphroditism, and simultaneously is syncrhonous hermaphroditism. | 416344 |
| undetermined | It has not yet been determined for which gender this attribute is valid. | |
| male/unsexed | The attribute is valid for organisms of the male gender or for organisms for which the gender has not yet been identified. | |
| + Type | The type of a body size (e.g. minimum, maximum, average). | |
| minimum | | |
| maximum | | |
| average | | |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown which type this body size is. | |
| mean | | |
| standard mean | | |
| common | | |
| + Unit | The unit of a body size (e.g. m, cm, mm). | |
| µm | micrometer | |
| mm | millimeter | |
| cm | centimeter | |
| m | meter | |
| cm² | square centimeter | |
| dm² | square decimeter | |
| m² | square meter | |
| cm³ | cubic centimeter | |
| inches | inch | |
| kg | kilogram | |
| ton | ton | |
| + Brooding | | |
| Yes | | |
| No | | |
| + Calcification | Mode of calcification of seaweed. | |
| calcified articulated | Algal thallus that is encrusted or impregnated with lime with non-calcified articulae rendering the thallus a segmented nature (macroalgae). | 345374 |
| calcified non-articulated | Algal thallus that is encrusted or impregnated with lime lacking non-calcified articulae (macroalgae). | 345374 |
| non-calcified | Algal thallus not encrusted or impregnated with lime (macroalgae). | 345374 |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature whether or not the algal thallus is calcified (macroalgae). | 345374 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Cytomorphology | This trait describes whether or not an organism is unicellular. For algae, this means the relationship between cell structure and thallus organisation. Examples include uninucleate unicellular organisms, multicellular thalli composed of uninucleate cells, multicellular thalli composed of multinucleate cells, and macroscopic thalli composed of a single giant tubular cell (siphonous or acellular thalli). | 380516 |
| unicellular | Having only one cell, or consisting of one cell. | 424973 |
| siphonous | Thallus consisting of a large tubular multinucleate cell (siphon) lacking cross-walls except during the formation of reproductive structures (note that many species of Dasycladales remain uninucleate throughout much of their life cycle with a giant diploid nucleus that only divides at the onset of reproduction). Also known as acellular. | 380516 |
| non-unicellular | Having more than one cell, or consisting of more than one cell (adapted from Henderson's Dictionary of Biology). | 424973 |
| coenocytic | Multicellular thallus composed of multinucleate cells. Also known as siphonocladous. | 380516 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Development | Description of how organisms develop into adults. | |
| direct development | Type of heterochronous development in which the embryo abandons the larval stages of development and proceeds directly to adult stage (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Animals (including humans) whose young are essentially smaller, less sexually mature, versions of the adult are referred to as direct developers (Gilbert & Bareesi, 2016). The embryos of directly developing organisms generate at once a juvenile already possessing the complete adult body plan, which then grows and acquires sexual maturity (Arenas-Mena, 2010). | 424973 |
| indirect development | Most animal species are indirect developers whose life cycle includes a larval stage with characteristics very different from those of the adult organism, which emerges only after a period of metamorphosis (Gilbert & Barresi, 2016). In indirect development, the embryonic phase generates an intermediate larva, and the post-embryonic phase generates an adult by substantial transformation and replacement of larval tissues (Arenas-Mena, 2010). | 435637 |
| lecithotrophic | Pertaining to developmental stages that feed upon yolk, and to eggs rich in yolk (Lincoln et al., 1998). Development at the expense of internal resources (i.e. yolk) provided by the female (Barnes et al., 1993). Feeding on stored yolk, as in some sea urchin larvae (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| planktotrophic | Feeding on plankton (Lincoln et al., 1998). Feeding at least in part on materials captured from the plankton (Barnes et al., 1993). Feeding on plankton (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| + Dispersion mode | 1: The pattern of distribution of organisms or populations in space. 2: The non-accidental movement of individuals into or out of an area or population, typically a movement over a relatively short distance and of a more or less regular nature; cf. migration. (Lincoln et al., 1998) | 416344 |
| aplanospores | A non-motile spore, without power of locomotion (Lincoln et al., 1998). A non-motile resting spore (Henderson's Dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). A non-motile, asexual spore ((Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.). | 416344 |
| monospores | A simple or undivided spore. | 424973 |
| motile spores | Spores are flagellate and can therefore disperse. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| one motile gamete | Only the male gamete is flagellate and can therefore disperse. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| two motile gametes | Both male and female gametes are flagellate and can therefore disperse. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| vegetative fragmentation | Type of asexual reproduction in which the organism breaks up into smaller pieces, each of which can develop into a new individual. | 424973 |
| thallus fragmentation and drift | A part of the thallus can be lost and drift. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| vegetative propagation | Any spore, seed, fruit or other part of a plant or microorganism capable of producing a new plant and used as a means of dispersal (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Vegetative reproduction by propagules that can also be used as a means of dispersal. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 424973 |
| presence of buoyance structures | Individuals exhibit gas-filled structures that favourise their floating. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| species cultivated or sold in aquaria trade | The species is cultivated or sold in aquaria trade. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| species growing on artificial substrate | The species is growing on artificial substrate such as harbour walls, boat hulls, piers, buoys. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown which dispersion mode this organism has. | |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature which dispersion mode this taxon has. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Environmental position | Position relative to substratum or fluid medium (air/water). | |
| endolithic | Growing within a rock or other hard inorganic substratum; petriculous; saxicavous; cf. epilithic (Lincoln et al., 1998). Living or penetrating into rock, as some algae and fungi (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| endophytic | A plant living within another plant; entophytic; cf. ectophytic (Lincoln et al., 1998). Bacterium, fungus or alga living inside the body or cells of an organism to which they cause no apparent damage. alt. endosymbiont (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| endozoic | Living within or passing through the body of an animal; entozoic; cf. epizoic (Lincoln et al., 1998). Living within an animal or involving passage through an animal, as in the distribution of some seeds (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| epilithic | Growing on rocks or other hard inorganic substrata; petrophillous; cf. endolithic (Lincoln et al., 1998). Attached on rocks, appl. algae, lichens (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| epiphytic | 1: A plant growing on another plant (the phorophyte) for support or anchorage rather than for water supply or nutrients; aerophyte. 2: Any organism living on the surface of a plant. (Lincoln et al., 1998). Plant that lives on the surface of another plant but does not derive nourishment from it (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| epizoic | Living attached to the body of an animal; used of a non-parasitic animal that lives attached to the outer surface of another animal; epizoan, epizoism, epizoite, epizoon; cf. endozoic (Lincoln et al., 1998). (1) living on or attached to the body of an animal; (2) having seeds or fruits dispersed by being attached to the surface of an animal (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| unattached | Growing without attachment to any type of substrate. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| epipsamnic | Growing in or on sand or other soft inorganic or organic substratum (Olivier De Clerck). Attached to sand particles (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 380501 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Feedingtype | A mixture of the feeding method/behaviour (how the organism gathers food, and from where; e.g. predator) and the food type/diet (what it feeds on; e.g. carnivore) of an organism. | |
| carnivore | Flesh-eating; creophagous; sarcophagous. | 416344 |
| commensal | Participating in commensalism. Commensalism is symbiosis in which one species derives benefit from a common food supply whilst the other species is not adversely affected. | 416344 |
| deposit feeder | Any organism that feeds on fragmented particulate organic matter in or on the substratum; a detritivorous organism. | 416344 |
| non-selective | Feeding group category for marine free-living meiobenthic Nematoda. Group 1-B: With cup-shaped, conical or cylindrical mouth-cavity, without any armature. Food obtained as above with additional help from active movements of lips and the anterior part of the mouth-cavity itself. Material available as food as above though larger objects (e.g. diatoms) are now being swallowed. Non-selective deposit-feeders. | 181619 |
| selective | Feeding group category for marine free-living meiobenthic Nematoda. Group 1-A: Without any mouth-cavity (though sometimes with traces of it). Food obtained mainly by means of the sucking power of the oesophagus. Consistency of material available as food most probable soft or floating. Large and hard particles never found in the intestine. Probably selective deposit-feeders. | 181619 |
| subsurface | Any organism that feeds on fragmented particulate organic matter within the substratum (e.g. Echinocardium cordatum) (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| surface | Any organism that feeds on fragmented particulate organic matter on the surface of the substratum (e.g. Corophium volutator) (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| detritus feeder | Any organism that feeds on fragmented particulate organic matter (detritus); detritivore. | 416344 |
| epigrowth feeder | Feeding group category for marine free-living meiobenthic Nematoda. Group 2-A: Mouth-cavity provided with small armature. Food scraped off bigger surfaces, or else the food-object is pierced and the cell-liquid sucked through the hole made in its wall. Epigrowth-feeders. | 181619 |
| filter feeder | Any animal that feeds by filtering suspended particulate organic matter from water. | 416344 |
| grazer | Any organism that feeds on herbage, algae or phytoplankton, by consuming the whole food plant or by cropping the entire surface growth in the case of herbage; cf. browsing. | 416344 |
| interface grazer | | |
| on organic substrates | Grazing on organic substrates. | |
| on periphyton | Grazing on periphyton. Any organism that feeds on periphyton, a community of plants, animals and associated detritus adhering to and forming a surface coating on stones, plants and other submerged objects (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| on algae | Grazing on algae. Any organism that feeds on algae, by consuming the whole food plant (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| on phanerogams | Grazing on phanerogams. Phanerogams are all seed-bearing plants (Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| herbivore | Any organism that feeds on plants; phytophagous; also used of protozoans that feed on bacteria and/or othe algae. | 416344 |
| kleptovore | Feeding type specifically for Nemertea species that live inside bivalves and steal part of the food that has been filtered by the bivalve. Note that this is different from kleptoparasitism, where the female searches out the prey or stored food of another female, usually of a different species, and takes it for her own offspring (Lawrence, 2005). (The "kleptovore" feeding type was requested by the Nemertea editors during their WoRMS Editor Workshop in 2017.) | |
| omnivore | Any organism that feeds on a mixed diet of plant and animal material. | 416344 |
| parasitic | Any organism that is intimately associated with, and metabolically dependent upon another living organism (the host) for completion of its life cycle, and which is typically detrimental to the host to a greater or lesser extent. | 416344 |
| ectoparasitic | A parasite that lives on the outer surface of its host, ectosite; epiparasite; episite; exoparasite; cf. endoparasite. | 416344 |
| endocommensal | A commensal symbiont that lives inside of its host. | 416344 |
| endoparasitic | An internal parasite which lives within the organs or tissues of its host; endosite; entoparasite; cf. ectoparasite. | 416344 |
| predator | Any organism that feeds by preying on other organisms, killing them for food. | 416344 |
| on sessile prey | Any organism that feeds by preying on sessile organisms, killing them for food (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| on mobile prey | Any organism that feeds by preying on mobile organisms, killing them for food (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| predator/omnivore | Feeding group category for marine free-living meiobenthic Nematoda. Group 2-B: With big and powerful armature of different structure. Mostly predators. Prey swallowed whole or pierced by means of spears or teeth and the liquid food sucked and swallowed. | 181619 |
| scavenger | Any organism that feeds on carrion or organic refuse. | 416344 |
| suspension feeder | Any organism that feeds on particulate organic matter suspended in water. | 416344 |
| facultative | Facultative suspension feeder. Some species (e.g. polychaetes Nereis diversicolor and Pygospio elegans, gastropods Valvata piscinalis and Viviparus viviparus, bivalve Macoma balthica, etc) are known to use more than one feeding mode, e.g. to get particles from the water column (by filtering or using mucus nets) and also collect detritus from the surface of the bottom sediments (Fauchald and Jumars 1979; Kuznetzov 1980; Tsikhon-Lukanina 1987). These species were defined as “facultative suspension-feeders†to distinguish them from those which exclusively suspension-feed, i.e. “obligatory suspension-feedersâ€, such as the bivalve Mytilus edulis trossulus, the barnacle Balanus improvisus or the bryozoan Electra crustulenta. | 424854 |
| symbiotic | Participating in symbiosis. Symbiosis is the living together of two organisms; the relationship between two interacting organisms or populations, commonly used to describe all relationships between members of two different species, and also to include intraspecific associations; sometimes restricted to those associations that are mutually beneficial. | 416344 |
| epizoic | 1: Living attached to the body of an animal; used of a non-parasitic animal that lives attached to the outer surface of another animal; epizoan, epizoism, epizoite, epizoon; cf. endozoic. 2: Dispersed by attachment to the surface of an animal; epizoochorous. | 416344 |
| with chemosymbionts | symbiosis in which a bacterium provides chemically-derived energy and nutrients | |
| xylophagous | Feeding on wood; dendrophagous; hylophagous; lignivorous; xylophage, xylophagy. | 416344 |
| non-feeding | Non-feeding life stages (e.g. lecithotroph). | |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown which feeding type this organism has. | |
| + Host/prey | Trait that describes the host or prey of an organism. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Fossil range | Chronostratigraphic range of an organism. | |
| Phanerozoic | | 421682 |
| Cenozoic | | 421682 |
| Quaternary | | 421682 |
| Holocene | | 421682 |
| Pleistocene | | 421682 |
| Pleistocene, Upper | | 421682 |
| Pleistocene, Middle | | 421682 |
| Calabrian | | 421682 |
| Gelasian | | 421682 |
| Neogene | | 421682 |
| Pliocene | | 421682 |
| Piacenzian | | 421682 |
| Zanclean | | 421682 |
| Miocene | | 421682 |
| Messinian | | 421682 |
| Tortonian | | 421682 |
| Serravallian | | 421682 |
| Langhian | | 421682 |
| Burdigalian | | 421682 |
| Aquitanian | | 421682 |
| Paleogene | | 421682 |
| Oligocene | | 421682 |
| Chattian | | 421682 |
| Rupelian | | 421682 |
| Eocene | | 421682 |
| Priabonian | | 421682 |
| Bartonian | | 421682 |
| Lutetian | | 421682 |
| Ypresian | | 421682 |
| Paleocene | | 421682 |
| Thanetian | | 421682 |
| Selandian | | 421682 |
| Danian | | 421682 |
| Mesozoic | | 421682 |
| Cretaceous | | 421682 |
| Cretaceous, Upper | | 421682 |
| Maastrichtian | | 421682 |
| Campanian | | 421682 |
| Santonian | | 421682 |
| Coniacian | | 421682 |
| Turonian | | 421682 |
| Cenomanian | | 421682 |
| Cretaceous, Lower | | 421682 |
| Albian | | 421682 |
| Aptian | | 421682 |
| Barremian | | 421682 |
| Hauterivian | | 421682 |
| Valanginian | | 421682 |
| Berriasian | | 421682 |
| Jurassic | | 421682 |
| Jurassic, Upper | | 421682 |
| Tithonian | | 421682 |
| Kimmeridgian | | 421682 |
| Oxfordian | | 421682 |
| Jurassic, Middle | | 421682 |
| Callovian | | 421682 |
| Bathonian | | 421682 |
| Bajocian | | 421682 |
| Aalenian | | 421682 |
| Jurassic, Lower | | 421682 |
| Toarcian | | 421682 |
| Pliensbachian | | 421682 |
| Sinemurian | | 421682 |
| Hettangian | | 421682 |
| Triassic | | 421682 |
| Triassic, Upper | | 421682 |
| Rhaetian | | 421682 |
| Norian | | 421682 |
| Carnian | | 421682 |
| Triassic, Middle | | 421682 |
| Ladinian | | 421682 |
| Anisian | | 421682 |
| Triassic, Lower | | 421682 |
| Olenekian | | 421682 |
| Induan | | 421682 |
| Paleozoic | | 421682 |
| Permian | | 421682 |
| Lopingian | | 421682 |
| Changhsingian | | 421682 |
| Wuchiapingian | | 421682 |
| Guadalupian | | 421682 |
| Capitanian | | 421682 |
| Wordian | | 421682 |
| Roadian | | 421682 |
| Cisuralian | | 421682 |
| Kungurian | | 421682 |
| Artinskian | | 421682 |
| Sakmarian | | 421682 |
| Asselian | | 421682 |
| Carboniferous | | 421682 |
| Pennsylvanian | | 421682 |
| Pennsylvanian, Upper | | 421682 |
| Gzhelian | | 421682 |
| Kasimovian | | 421682 |
| Pennsylvanian, Middle | | 421682 |
| Moscovian | | 421682 |
| Pennsylvanian, Lower | | 421682 |
| Bashkirian | | 421682 |
| Mississippian | | 421682 |
| Mississippian, Upper | | 421682 |
| Serpukhovian | | 421682 |
| Mississippian, Middle | | 421682 |
| Visean | | 421682 |
| Mississippian, Lower | | 421682 |
| Tournaisian | | 421682 |
| Devonian | | 421682 |
| Devonian, Upper | | 421682 |
| Famennian | | 421682 |
| Frasnian | | 421682 |
| Devonian, Middle | | 421682 |
| Givetian | | 421682 |
| Eifelian | | 421682 |
| Devonian, Lower | | 421682 |
| Emsian | | 421682 |
| Pragian | | 421682 |
| Lochkovian | | 421682 |
| Silurian | | 421682 |
| Pridoli | | 421682 |
| Ludlow | | 421682 |
| Ludfordian | | 421682 |
| Gorstian | | 421682 |
| Wenlock | | 421682 |
| Homerian | | 421682 |
| Sheinwoodian | | 421682 |
| Llandovery | | 421682 |
| Telychian | | 421682 |
| Aeronian | | 421682 |
| Rhuddanian | | 421682 |
| Ordovician | | 421682 |
| Ordovician, Upper | | 421682 |
| Hirnantian | | 421682 |
| Katian | | 421682 |
| Sandbian | | 421682 |
| Ordovician, Middle | | 421682 |
| Darriwilian | | 421682 |
| Dapingian | | 421682 |
| Ordovician, Lower | | 421682 |
| Floian | | 421682 |
| Tremadocian | | 421682 |
| Cambrian | | 421682 |
| Furongian | | 421682 |
| Stage 10 | | 421682 |
| Jiangshanian | | 421682 |
| Paibian | | 421682 |
| Series 3 | | 421682 |
| Guzhangian | | 421682 |
| Drumian | | 421682 |
| Stage 5 | | 421682 |
| Series 2 | | 421682 |
| Stage 4 | | 421682 |
| Stage 3 | | 421682 |
| Terreneuvian | | 421682 |
| Stage 2 | | 421682 |
| Fortunian | | 421682 |
| Proterozoic | | 421682 |
| Neoproterozoic | | 421682 |
| Ediacaran | | 421682 |
| Cryogenian | | 421682 |
| Tonian | | 421682 |
| Mesoproterozoic | | 421682 |
| Stenian | | 421682 |
| Ectasian | | 421682 |
| Calymmian | | 421682 |
| Paleoproterozoic | | 421682 |
| Statherian | | 421682 |
| Orosirian | | 421682 |
| Rhyacian | | 421682 |
| Siderian | | 421682 |
| Archaen | | 421682 |
| Neoarchean | | 421682 |
| Mesoarchean | | 421682 |
| Paleoarchean | | 421682 |
| Eoarchean | | 421682 |
| Hadean | | 421682 |
| + Functional group | | |
| benthos | Benthic organisms, or the benthos, are those that live on or burried in the bottom. | 407106 |
| megabenthos | The component of the benthos that consists of very large organisms over 20 cm in size (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| macrobenthos | The component of the benthos that consists of large organisms 2 to 200 mm in size (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| meiobenthos | The component of the benthos that consists of organisms 0,2 to 2 mm in size (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| microbenthos | The component of the benthos that consists of organisms 20 to 200 microns (µm) (0,02 to 0,2 mm) in size (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| hyperbenthos | [Organisms] living above but close to the substratum. | 416344 |
| epibenthos | [Organisms] living on the surface of the bottom. Epifaunal or epifloral. | 407092 |
| endobenthos | [Organisms] living within the sediment of a lake or sea floor; infauna. Also called endobiontic. | 1128 |
| phytobenthos | 1: A bottom-living plant community; phytobenthon. 2: That part of the bottom of a stream or lake covered by vegetation; cf. geobenthos. | 416344 |
| plankton | Organisms that cannot maintain a fixed location in the water column, and are thus moved by the tides and currents. | 414832 |
| megaplankton | The component of the plankton that consists of very large organisms over 20 cm in size. | 407106 |
| macroplankton | The component of the plankton that consists of large organisms 2 to 200 mm in size (as defined, agreed and applied by the WoRMS Steering Committee). | |
| mesoplankton | The component of the plankton that consists of organisms 0,2 to 2 mm in size. | 407106 |
| microplankton | The component of the plankton that consists of organisms 20 to 200 microns (µm) (0,02 to 0,2 mm) in size. | 407106 |
| nanoplankton | The component of the plankton that consists of very small organisms 2 to 20 microns (µm) (0,002 to 0,02 mm) in size; they are too small to catch in a standard plankton net. | 407106 |
| picoplankton | The component of the plankton that consists of extremely small organisms, 0,2 to 2 microns (µm) (0,0002 to 0,002 mm) in size; they are too small to catch in a standard plankton net. | 407106 |
| femtoplankton | The component of the plankton that consists of extremely small organisms, 0,02 to 0,2 microns (µm) (0,00002 to 0,0002 mm) in size; they are too small to catch in a standard plankton net. | 414833 |
| zooplankton | Plankton obtaining nourishment via heterotrophy. They are incapable of phototrophy; cf. mixoplankton. | 414832 |
| phytoplankton | Plankton obtaining nourishment via photo(auto)trophy and osmo(hetero)trophy. They are incapable of phagotrophy; cf. mixoplankton. | 414832 |
| mixoplankton | Plankton protists capable of obtaining nourishment via photo(auto)trophy and phago(hetero)trophy, as well as via osmo(hetero)trophy. | 414832 |
| endosymbiotic Specialist Non-Constitutive Mixoplankton | Specialist non-constitutive mixoplankton (SNCMs) are NCMs that acquire their capacity for phototrophy from specific phototrophic prey (cf. GNCM). Endosymbiotic Specialist Non-Constitutive Mixoplankton (eSNCM) are endosymbiotic acquiring phototrophy by harbouring specific phototrophic prey. | 414832 |
| Constitutive Mixoplankton | Protist plankton with an inherent capacity for phototrophy that can also exhibit phagotrophy. | 414832 |
| plastid Specialists Non-Constitutive Mixoplankton | Specialist non-constitutive mixoplankton (SNCMs) are NCMs that acquire their capacity for phototrophy from specific phototrophic prey (cf. GNCM). Plastid Specialists Non-Constitutive Mixoplankton (pSNCMs) are plastidic specialists acquiring phototrophy from specialist prey type(s). | 414832 |
| General Non-Constitutive Mixoplankton | NCMs that acquire their capacity for phototrophy from general (i.e. non-specific) phototrophic prey (cf. SNCM). Non-constitutive mixoplankton (NCMs) is protist plankton that acquire the capability for phototrophy from consumption (via phagotrophy) of phototrophic prey. | 414832 |
| nekton | Organisms that swim strongly enough to move against the current. | 407106 |
| neuston | Organisms that live right at the sea surface but remain underwater. | 407106 |
| pleuston | Organisms that live right at the sea surface, with part of the body projecting into the air. | 407106 |
| benthopelagic | [Organisms] living and feeding near the bottom as well as in midwaters or near the surface. Feeding on benthic as well as free swimming organisms. Many freshwater fish are opportunistic feeders that forage on the bottom as well as in midwater and near the surface, also pertaining to forms which hover or swim just over the floor of the sea, e.g. Halosauridae, Macrouridae, Moridae, Brotulidae; the depth zone about 100 metres off the bottom at all depths below the edge of the continental shelf. | 1128 |
| edaphofauna | Animals that spend a significant portion of their life cycle within a soil profile or at the soil-litter interface | 421715 |
| macro | Macro edaphofauna. | 421715 |
| meso | Meso edaphofauna. | 421715 |
| not applicable | The attribute "functional group" is not applicable for this taxon. This is e.g. used for parasitic taxa, to overwrite the functional group inherited from higher taxa. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Gamete type | Descriptors of the relative size of gametes. | |
| anisogamous | Having gametes of dissimilar size, shape or behaviour; cf. isogamous (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| isogamous | Having gametes that are similar in size, shape and behaviour; having gametes (isogametes) not differentiated into male and female; cf. anisogamous (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| oogamous | Having a reproduction involving a large, non-motile female gamete (egg cell) and a small, motile male gamete (sperm cell or equivalent), except for red algae in which the male gamete is also non-motile (macroalgae; Womersley, 1987). | 345374 |
| not applicable | The attribute "gamete type" is not applicable for this taxon. | |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown which gamete type this organism has. | |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature what the gamete type is for this taxon. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Gametophyte arrangement | Trait that describes the male and female reproductive structures. | |
| dioecious | When male and female reproductive structures are formed on the separate individual and the sex is determined in diploid phase. | 380506 |
| dioicous | When male and female reproductive structures are formed on the separate individual and the sex is determined in haploid phase. | 380506 |
| mixed | With individuals bearing only male or female reproductive structures and indivduals bearing both male and female reproductive structures in one species. | 380506 |
| monoecious | When male and female reproductive structures are formed on same individuals and the sex is determined in diploid phase. | 380506 |
| monoicous | When male and female reproductive structures are formed on same individuals and the sex is determined in haploid phase. | 380506 |
| not applicable | The attribute "gametophyte arrangement" is not applicable for this taxon. | |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown which gametophyte arrangement this organism has. | |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature what the gametophyte arrangement is for this taxon. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Generation time | 1: The average duration of a life cycle between birth and reproduction. 2: The mean period of time between reproduction of the parent generation and reproduction of the first filial generation. (Lincoln et al., 1998). Period of time to complete a life cycle in the lab. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 416344 |
| 1 to 3 months | Life cycle completed in 1 to 3 months in the lab. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| 3 to 12 months | Life cycle completed in 3 to 12 months in the lab. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| 1 to 3 years | Life cycle completed in 1 to 3 years in the lab. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| more than 3 years | Life cycle completed in more than 3 years in the lab. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Irradiance preference | | 380501 |
| Photophilic | Growing or thriving in habitats with high light intensity. | 380501 |
| Sciaphilic | Growing or thriving in shaded or low light intensity habitats. | 380501 |
| + Life cycle | The type of life cycle an organism has. Life cycle according to Lincoln et al., 1998: 1: The sequence of events from the origin as a zygote, to the death of an individual. 2: Those stages through which an organism passes between the production of gametes by one generation and the production of gametes by the next. | 416344 |
| diplontic | [diplont] Having a life cycle in which the direct products of meiosis act as gametes; only the gametes of diplonts are haploid; cf. haplont (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| haplodiplontic | Having a life cycle with alternating free-living gametophyte and sporophyte phases (macroalgae; Womersley, 1987). | 345374 |
| heteromorphic | Organisms with the gametophyte and sporophyte of different morphology and size (macroalgae; Womersley, 1987). Having different forms at different times or at different stages of the life cycle; used of a plant having an alternation of vegetatively dissimilar generations; heteromorphous; cf. homomorphic (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 345374 |
| isomorphic | Organisms with the gametophyte and sporophyte of similar morphology and size (macroalgae; Womersley, 1987). Used of a plant having an alternation between diploid and haploid generations which are morphologically similar in appearance; homomoprhic; isomorphous; cf. heteromorphic (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 345374 |
| not applicable | It is not applicable whether this taxon is heteromorphic or isomorphic. | |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown whether this organism is heteromorphic or isomorphic. | |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature whether this taxon is heteromorphic or isomorphic. | |
| haplontic | [haplont] Having a life cycle in which meiosis occurs in the zygote to produce the haploid phase; only the zygote of the haplonts is diploid; cf. diplont. | 416344 |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown what life cycle this organism has. | |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature what life cycle this taxon has. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Life span | Longevity; the maximum or mean duration of life of an individual or group. | 416344 |
| annual | (1) Appl. structures or growth features that are marked off or completed yearly; (2) living for a year only; (3) completing life-cycle in a year from germination; (4) n. plant that completes its life-cycle in a year. (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Thallus which survives only one growing season (less than 1 year) (macroalgae; Womersley, 1987). | 424973 |
| ephemeral | (1) Short-lived; (2) taking place once only, appl. plant movements as expanding buds; (3) completing life-cycle within a brief period; (4) n. a short-lived plant or animal species (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). Thallus which survives for only a few weeks (less than 1 month) (macroalgae; Womersley, 1987). | 424973 |
| perennial | Plant which persists for several years. | 424973 |
| long perennial | Thallus or part thereof with a lifespan exceeding 3 years (more than 3 years) (macroalgae; Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| short perennial | Thallus or part thereof with a lifespan exceeding 1 year but under 3 years (macroalgae; Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature which life span this organism has. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Macroalgal blooming | Types of blooming specific for macroalgae species. | |
| yes | The species has the potential to go through episodes of intense growth and mass proliferation of the thallus under specific environmental conditions such as high nutrient and temperature conditions. | 380516 |
| no | The species does not have the obvious potential to go through episodes of intense growth and mass proliferation of the thallus under specific environmental conditions such as high nutrient and temperature conditions. | 380516 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Locality (MRGID) | Marine Regions Geographic IDentifier (MRGID) for a place name in the Marine Regions gazetteer | |
| + Mobility | The tendency of an organism or population to change its location or distribution with time; vagility. | 416344 |
| mobile | An organism or population that can change its location or distribution with time; mobility; vagility. | 416344 |
| sessile | Non-motile; permanently attached at the base. | 416344 |
| sedentary | Attached to the substrate; not free-living. | 416344 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Modes of reproduction | This trait describes which mode of reproduction animals use to produce their young. | |
| oviparous | Egg laying; producing eggs that are laid and hatch externally (Lincoln et al., 1998). Egg-laying (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| no parental care | There is no form of parental behaviour (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| parental care | Any form of parental behaviour that appears likely to increase the fitness of a parent's offspring. | 416344 |
| ovoviviparous | Fully formed eggs are retained and hatched inside the maternal body and are released as live offspring. No nutrition is derived from the mother (Lincoln et al., 1998). Pert. organisms that produce an egg with a persistent outer covering, but which hatches within the maternal body (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| viviparous | 1: Producing live offspring from within the body of the parent; zoogonous; viviparity, vivipary; cf. larvipary, oviparous, ovoviviparous. 2: Germinating while still attached to the parent plant (Lincoln et al., 1998). Development of an embryo within the body of the parent, in part, resources passing directly from parent to embryo (Barnes et al., 2006). (1) producing young alive rather than laying eggs, appl. all mammals except monotremes, and some animals in other groups; (2) appl. plants, having seeds that germinate while still attached to the parent plant, e.g. mangrove (Henderson's Dictionary of Biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 416344 |
| no parental care | There is no form of parental behaviour (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| parental care | Any form of parental behaviour that appears likely to increase the fitness of a parent's offspring. | 416344 |
| + Nomenclature code | Overview of the existing nomenclature codes. | |
| The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) | The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. | |
| The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) | The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. | |
| The International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) | The International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. | |
| THe International Code of Virus Classification and Nomenclature (ICVCN) | The International Code of Virus Classification and Nomenclature. | |
| + Paraphyletic group | A group of taxa derived from a single ancestral taxon, but one which does not contain all the descendants of the most recent common ancestor; a category based on the common possession of plesiomorphic characters (symplesiomorphy) (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| Algae | Paraphyletic group to combine all algae in Aphia. | |
| Macroalgae | Paraphyletic group to combine all macroalgae in Aphia. | |
| Mangroves | Paraphyletic group to combine all mangroves in Aphia. | |
| Pisces | Paraphyletic group to combine all fish in Aphia. | |
| + Plant habit | The characteristic form in which a given species of plant grows | |
| tree | A woody perennial plant which has a single main trunk at least 7.5 cm in diameter at 1.3 m height, a definitely formed crown of foliage, and a height of at least 4 m. | 424973 |
| shrub | Low-growing woody plant, usually less than 6 m high, that does not have a main trunk and which branches from the base. | 424973 |
| herb | Any seed plant with non-woody green stems. | 424973 |
| annual | (1) appl. structures or growth features that are marked off or completed yearly; (2) living for a year only; (3) completing life-cycle in a year from germination; (4) n. plant that completes its life-cycle in a year. | 424973 |
| biennial | Plant living for two years and fruiting only in the second. | 424973 |
| perennial | Plant which persists for several years. | 424973 |
| vine | | |
| + Reproductive frequency | Trait that describes the fertility period of an organism. | |
| all over the year | Fertile individuals observed all over the year. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| one long period a year | A unique fertility period lasting more than 1 month. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| one short period a year | A unique fertility period lasting less than 1 month. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| several long periods a year | Several distinct fertility periods lasting more than 1 month each. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| several short periods a year | Several distinct fertility periods lasting less than 1 month each. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Seasonality | Trait that describes the periodicity of an organism related to the seasons. | |
| spring | The organism can be observed in spring. | |
| summer | The organism can be observed in summer. | |
| autumn | The organism can be observed in autumn. | |
| winter | The organism can be observed in winter. | |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature in which season(s) this organism can be reported. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Locality (MRGID) | Marine Regions Geographic IDentifier (MRGID) for a place name in the Marine Regions gazetteer | |
| + Sociability | Trait that describes an organism's behavioural interactions with members of the same species. [Source: https://www.marinespecies.org/traits/wiki/Traits:Sociability] | |
| colonial | In biology, a colony is composed of two or more conspecific individuals living in close association with, or connected to, one another. This association is usually for mutual benefit such as stronger defense or the ability to attack bigger prey. It is a cluster of identical cells (clones) on the surface of (or within) a solid medium, usually derived from a single parent cell, as in bacterial colony. [Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_(biology)]. Organisms that live together in large numbers, esp. where the individual organisms form part of a larger structure. Examples are some algae, soft corals, reef-building corals, gorgonians and other anthozoans, and siphonophores. (Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| social colonies of unitary organisms | Unicellular and multicellular unitary organisms may aggregate to form colonies. Examples are slime molds of protists, colonies of ants and bees, breeding or nesting colonies of birds and mammals. [Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_(biology)] | |
| modular organisms | Modular organisms are those in which a genet (or genetic individual formed from a sexually-produced zygote) asexually reproduces to form genetically identical clones called ramets. [Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_(biology)] | |
| microbial colonies | A microbial colony is defined as a visible cluster of microorganisms growing on the surface of or within a solid medium, presumably cultured from a single cell. [Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_(biology)] | |
| solitary | Living alone, not gregarious (Thompson 1995). [Source: https://www.marinespecies.org/traits/wiki/Traits:Solitary]. Solitary organisms are ones in which all individuals live independently and have all of the functions needed to survive and reproduce. [Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_(biology)] | |
| non-territorial | Independent without a defined territory [Source: https://www.marinespecies.org/traits/wiki/Traits:NonTerritorial]. The animal does not establish a territory to defend against other members of the same species (adapted from Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| territorial | Independent but maintains a defined territory [Source: https://www.marinespecies.org/traits/wiki/Traits:Territorial]. The animal establishes a territory which it defends against other members of the same species (adapted from Henderson's dictionary of biology; Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| + Spawning | The release of gametes or eggs into the water (Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| fertilisation in the water column | Fertilization with gametes released in the water column. | |
| fertilisation on female gametophyte | Female gamete retained on the female gametophyte (e.g. Rhodophyta). | 380501 |
| not applicable | The attribute "spawning" is not applicable for this taxon. | |
| unknown | According to literature it is unknown which spawning mechanism this organism has. | |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature whether or not there is spawning for this taxon. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Species exhibits underwater soniferous behaviour | Does the species actively or passively produce sound under natural
conditions while submerged in water? | 452925 |
| Unknown or undetermined | There is no known acoustic, morphological, or physiological study of sound production for this species and its likelihood of soniferous behavior based on an ancestral state reconstruction analysis, lineage, or evolutionary records has not been assessed, or this species has yet to be categorized by an expert source. | 452925 |
| Does not or is unlikely to produce sound under natural conditions | Species has been the subject of one or more studies to assess its acoustic behavior, morphology, and/or physiology, none of which have provided evidence of sound production either actively or passively, and/or species does not have a likelihood of soniferous behavior based on an ancestral state reconstruction analysis that results in a probability below 0.5, lineage, or evolutionary records. | 452925 |
| Likely to produce sound under natural conditions but unconfirmed | There is no known acoustic documentation to confidently validate sound production under natural conditions by this species, but it is likely to exhibit natural soniferous behavior based on an ancestral state reconstruction analysis that results in a probability of 0.5 or higher, lineage, evolutionary records, morphological characteristics, physiological characteristics, documented sound production behavior under artificial conditions, and/or documented sound production behavior with some uncertainty. | 452925 |
| Produces passive sound under natural conditions | There is validated acoustic documentation that this species produces passive sound under natural conditions, but no validated documentation to confirm that it actively produces sound. | 452925 |
| Produces active sound under natural conditions | There is validated acoustic documentation that this species produces active sound under natural conditions, but no validated documentation to confirm that it passively produces sound. | 452925 |
| Produces active and passive sound under natural conditions | There is validated acoustic documentation that this species produces active and passive sound under natural conditions. | 452925 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Species importance to society | | |
| FAO-ASFIS: Species for Fishery Statistics Purposes | | |
| OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats | OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats. Reference Number: 2008-6. | 197508 |
| Habitats Directive | | |
| IUCN Red List | International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List | |
| CITES | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora | |
| MSFD indicators | Marine Strategy Framework Directive | |
| HELCOM Red List | | 390895 |
| + Birds Directive Annex | Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds. | 197512 |
| I | The species mentioned in Annex I shall be the subject of special conservation measures concerning their habitat in order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution. | 197512 |
| II, part A | The species referred to in Annex II, Part A may be hunted in the geographical sea and land area where this Directive applies. | 197512 |
| II, part B | The species referred to in Annex II, Part B may be hunted only in the Member States in respect of which they are indicated. | 197512 |
| III, part A | The activities referred to in paragraph 1 [of the Birds Directive] shall not be prohibited in respect of the species referred to in Annex III, Part A, provided that the birds have been legally killed or captured or otherwise legally acquired. | 197512 |
| III, part B | Member States may, for the species listed in Annex III, Part B, allow within their territory the activities referred to in paragraph 1 [of the Birds Directive], making provision for certain restrictions, provided that the birds have been legally killed or captured or otherwise legally acquired. | 197512 |
| + Black Sea proposed indicators | | |
| + CITES Annex | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Consulted April 2015. | 197517 |
| I | Species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. | 197517 |
| II | Species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. | 197517 |
| III | Species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade. | 197517 |
| + Habitats Directive Annex | Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. | 197513 |
| I | Natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of specia areas of conservation. | 197513 |
| II | Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation. | 197513 |
| III | Criteria for selecting sites eligible for identification as sites of community importance and designation as specieal areas of conservation. | 197513 |
| IV | Animal and plant species of comminity interest in need of strict protection. | 197513 |
| V | Animal and plant species of community interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures. | 197513 |
| VI | Prohibited methods and means of capture and killing and modes of transport. | 197513 |
| + HELCOM core biodiversity indicators | | |
| + HELCOM Red List Category | | |
| Extinct | A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. A taxon is presumed Extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon's life cycle and life form. | 421683 |
| Extinct in the Wild | A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range. A taxon is presumed Extinct in the Wild when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon's life cycle and life form. | 421683 |
| Critically Endangered | A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. | 421683 |
| Endangered | A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. | 421683 |
| Vulnerable | A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. | 421683 |
| Conservation Dependent | Taxa which are the focus of a continuing taxon-specific or habitat-specific conservation programme targeted towards the taxon in question, the cessation of which would result in the taxon qualifying for one of the threatened categories above within a period of five years. (Note: The conservation dependent category is part of the IUCN 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3), which is no longer used in evaluation of taxa, but persists in the IUCN Red List for taxa evaluated prior to 2001, when version 3.1 was first used. Using the 2001 (v3.1) system these taxa are classed as near threatened, but those that have not been re-evaluated remain with the "conservation dependent" category.) | 421687 |
| Near Threatened | A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. | 421683 |
| Least Concern | A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. | 421683 |
| Data Deficient | A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat. Listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future research will show that threatened classification is appropriate. It is important to make positive use of whatever data are available. In many cases great care should be exercised in choosing between DD and a threatened status. If the range of a taxon is suspected to be relatively circumscribed, and a considerable period of time has elapsed since the last record of the taxon, threatened status may well be justified. | 421683 |
| Not Evaluated | A taxon is Not Evaluated when it is has not yet been evaluated against the criteria. | 421683 |
| + Identifier | | |
| + IUCN Red List Category | IUCN Red List Category (version 3.1) | 421683 |
| Extinct | A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. A taxon is presumed Extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon's life cycle and life form. | 421683 |
| Extinct in the Wild | A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range. A taxon is presumed Extinct in the Wild when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon's life cycle and life form. | 421683 |
| Critically Endangered | A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. | 421683 |
| Endangered | A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. | 421683 |
| Vulnerable | A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. | 421683 |
| Conservation Dependent | Taxa which are the focus of a continuing taxon-specific or habitat-specific conservation programme targeted towards the taxon in question, the cessation of which would result in the taxon qualifying for one of the threatened categories above within a period of five years. (Note: The conservation dependent category is part of the IUCN 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3), which is no longer used in evaluation of taxa, but persists in the IUCN Red List for taxa evaluated prior to 2001, when version 3.1 was first used. Using the 2001 (v3.1) system these taxa are classed as near threatened, but those that have not been re-evaluated remain with the "conservation dependent" category.) | 421687 |
| Near Threatened | A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. | 421683 |
| Least Concern | A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. | 421683 |
| Data Deficient | A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat. Listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future research will show that threatened classification is appropriate. It is important to make positive use of whatever data are available. In many cases great care should be exercised in choosing between DD and a threatened status. If the range of a taxon is suspected to be relatively circumscribed, and a considerable period of time has elapsed since the last record of the taxon, threatened status may well be justified. | 421683 |
| Not Evaluated | A taxon is Not Evaluated when it is has not yet been evaluated against the criteria. | 421683 |
| + Criteria | IUCN Red List Criteria | 421683 |
| + Year Assessed | IUCN Red List Year assessed | 421683 |
| + Mediterranean proposed indicators - Adriatic Sea | | |
| + Mediterranean proposed indicators - Aegean-Levantine Sea | | |
| + Mediterranean proposed indicators - Ionian Sea | | |
| + Mediterranean proposed indicators - Mediterranean Sea | | |
| + Mediterranean proposed indicators - Western Mediterranean | | |
| + OSPAR candidate indicators: Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast | | |
| + OSPAR candidate indicators: Celtic Seas | | |
| + OSPAR candidate indicators: Greater North Sea including outside EU | | |
| + OSPAR candidate indicators: North Sea | | |
| + OSPAR common indicators | | |
| + OSPAR common indicators: Bay of Biscay and Iberian Coast | | |
| + OSPAR common indicators: Celtic Seas | | |
| + OSPAR common indicators: Greater North Sea | | |
| + OSPAR common indicators: Greater North Sea including outside EU | | |
| + OSPAR Region where species is under threat and/or in decline | | |
| OSPAR Region I (Arctic Waters) | Region I is the most northerly OSPAR region, characterised by its harsh climate and ice coverage although the ecosystems of this region are still rich. In spite of its low population density, human activities such as fishing and offshore petroleum production remain significant. (https://www.ospar.org/convention/the-north-east-atlantic/i) | 197508 |
| OSPAR Region II (Greater North Sea) | The Greater North Sea is one of the busiest maritime areas. Offshore activities related to the exploitation of oil and gas reserves, and maritime traffic are very important. Two of the world's largest ports are situated on the North Sea coast, and the coastal zone is used intensively for recreation. (https://www.ospar.org/convention/the-north-east-atlantic/ii) | 197508 |
| OSPAR Region III (Celtic Seas) | The Celtic Seas region contains wide variations in coastal topography, from fjordic sea lochs, to sand dunes, bays, estuaries and numerous sandy beaches. The large range of habitats in the region supports a diverse fish fauna. Although traditional maritime activities, such as fishing, take place in the Celtic Seas, there is ongoing development of tourism. (https://www.ospar.org/convention/the-north-east-atlantic/iii) | 197508 |
| OSPAR Region IV (Bay of Biscay/Golfe de Gascogne & Iberian coasts) | The bottom topography of Region IV and coastlines are highly diversified, including the continental shelf and slope and parts of the abyssal plain. Ecosystems in Region IV are very rich, support a rich fish fauna and have a particular importance for migratory birds. Main human activities in Region IV are fishing, maritime transport and tourism. (https://www.ospar.org/convention/the-north-east-atlantic/iv) | 197508 |
| OSPAR Region V (Wider Atlantic) | Region V represents the deep waters of the North-East Atlantic extending across the abyssal plain and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and including many seamounts. There have been recent discoveries of a number of different fragile deep-sea habitats (such as hydrothermal vents, carbonate mounds, coral gardens and sponge communities). Human population in the region is restricted to the Azores Archipelago. The main human activities are fishing and maritime transport. (https://www.ospar.org/convention/the-north-east-atlantic/v) | 197508 |
| + Supporting structure & enclosure | Hard framework, internal or external, which supports and protects softer parts of plant, animal or unicellular organism, and to which muscles usually attach in animals, includes skeletons (derived from Lawrence, 2005). | |
| Unsupported | The organism has no supporting structures and enclosures; no skeleton (derived from Lawrence 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Hydrostatic skeleton | Skeletal support provided by hydrostatic pressure from a fluid filled cavity (e.g. the coelum) surrounded by muscles. Hydrostatic pressure provides skeletal support in sea anemones, jellyfish, nematodes, annelids, echinoderms, and other groups (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Endoskeleton | Any internal skeleton or supporting structure (derived from Lawrence 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Exoskeleton (including shells) | A rigid external structure that supports and/or protects the body of an organism and that is mainly completely secreted by the epidermis (derived from Lawrence 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| External tube | A built-structure inhabited by an organism and essential to its survival, but not part of its body, composed of hardened (either rigid or flexible) secretions, with or without the addition of embedded particles, with those particles either selectively collected from the environment or passively becoming glued during formation (pers. comm. Read, G.). | 259027 |
| + Structure | | |
| Solid | Massive structure, i.e. not consisting of loose agglutinated particles (derived from Lawrence 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Non-solid: cement | Component that keeps the agglutinated particles of the non-massive skeleton together (derived from Lawrence 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Non-solid: particles | Small and individual structural elements that function as supporting structure/enclosure, e.g. spicules in sponges (derived from Lawrence 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| + Composition | | |
| Phosphatic | Composed of phosphoric acid or phosphates (derived from form Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Siliceous | Composed of silicon based spines, spicules or lattice, e.g. siliceous or glass sponges (derived from form Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Chitinous | Composed of chitin, a long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine. It is the chief polysaccharide in fungal cell walls and in the exoskeleton of arthropods (derived form Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Gorgonin | Fibrous protein in the mesoglea of sea fans (gorgonians) which forms the stiff skeleton of the colony (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Keratinous | Composed of keratin, a fibrous protein rich cysteine constituent of intermediate filaments (keratin filaments), chief material in horn, hair, nails and the upper layer of skin (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Sponginous | Composed of spongin, fibrous protein component of the horny sponges (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Calcareous | Skeleton composed of calcareous spicules (sponges/echinoderms), plates, spines, bones or other structures (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Aragonite | A crystalline form of calcium carbonate, e.g. one of the constituents of mollusc shells (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Calcite | Crystalline form of calcium carbonate, e. g. one of the constituents of mollusc shells and the skeletons of calcareous sponges (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Amorphous calcium carbonate | Calcium carbonate that lacks a crystalline structure, or whose internal is so irregular that there is no characteristic external form. The term does not preclude the existence of any degree of order (derived from Neuendorf et al. 2005, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424974 |
| High-magnesium calcite | Calcite where more than 8wt.% CaCO3 is substituted by MgCO3 (derived from Smith et al., 2006, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 368373 |
| Organic | (1) derived from, or showing the properties of a living organism; (2) containing carbon, applied to molecules (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| Variable | Mixed and variable material (derived from Lawrence, 2005 - Henderson's Dictionary of Biology, and discussed and agreed upon by the WoRMS/Aphia editor community). | 424973 |
| + Thallus vertical space used | Trait that describes whether an organism belongs to the canopy, sub-canopy, turf, or is encrusting. | |
| canopy | Vegetation of macroalgae or plants partially blocking light penetration, thereby creating a shaded understory. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| encrusting | With a crustose growth form (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| sub-canopy | Forming a secondary cover, usually of 20 cm height maximum (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| turf | Vegetation dominated by macroalgae with limited vertical height, usually < 5 cm height. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Tolerance to pollutants | Trait that describes how tolerant to pollutants an organism is. | |
| clear waters | Waters where visisbility is most of the time > 10 m. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| eutrophic waters | Having high primary productivity; pertaining to waters rich in nutrients (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| mesotrophic waters | Having intermediate levels of primary productivity; pertaining to waters having intermediate levels of nutrients (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| moderately turbid waters | Waters where visibility is most of the time > 1m and < 10m. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| oligotrophic waters | Having low primary productivity; pertaining to waters having low levels of nutrients (adapted from Lincoln et al., 1998). | 416344 |
| waters with variable turbidity | Waters where turbidity varies periodically. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| turbid waters | Waters where visibility is most of the time < 1m. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) indicative taxon | Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem indicative taxa based on FAO guidelines | |
| Yes | | |
| No | | |
| + VME Region | | |
| No regional information available | | |
| FAO fishing area I | | |
| FAO fishing area II | | |
| FAO fishing area III | | |
| FAO fishing area IV | | |
| FAO fishing area V | | |
| FAO fishing area VI | | |
| FAO fishing area VII | | |
| FAO fishing area VIII | | |
| FAO fishing area IX | | |
| FAO fishing area X | | |
| FAO fishing area XI | | |
| FAO fishing area XII | | |
| FAO fishing area XIII | | |
| FAO fishing area XIV | | |
| FAO fishing area XV | | |
| FAO fishing area XVI | | |
| FAO fishing area XVII | | |
| FAO fishing area XVIII | | |
| FAO fishing area XIX | | |
| + Wave exposure | Trait that describes the range of exposure to wave action in which the organism is recorded. | |
| exposed | Subject to high energy wave forces. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| high energy rock | Rocky substrate subject to high energy wave forces. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| features of rock | Specific characteristics of rocky substrate such as pools, caves, overhangs, surge gulleys, artificial hard substrata. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| semi-exposed | Subject to moderate energy wave forces. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| moderate energy rock | Rocky substrate subject to moderate energy wave forces. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| sheltered | Subject to low energy wave forces. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| coarse sediments | Coarse sediments such as gravel, pebbles, shingles and cobbles ocurring at sheltered locations. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| low energy rock | Rocky substrate subject to low energy wave forces. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| macrophyte-dominated sediments | Sediments with a high cover of macroalgae or seagrasses. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| mud-dominated sediments | Sediments composed of a mixture of clay (< 2 um) and silt (4 - 62 um) typically deposited in a low energy environment. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| sand-dominated sediments | Sediments composed of a mixture of sand particles (0.074 - 4.75 mm) typically deposited in a low energy environment. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature which wave exposure this organism has. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Zonation | The distribution of organisms in distinctive areas, layers or zones. It is important to note that variations in depth and definition occur depending on the source, area or research purpose. The depth ranges and definitions within the zonation attribute were agreed upon by the WoRMS Steering Committee based on diverse sources. | |
| Pelagic zones | | |
| Epipelagic zone (0-200 m) | The depth zone of the water column extending from the surface to 200 m. Because this zone has sufficient light penetration for photosynthesis, it is sometimes referred to as the photic zone. | |
| Mesopelagic zone (200-1000 m) | The depth zone of the water column extending from 200 to 1000 m. | |
| Bathypelagic zone (1000-4000 m) | The depth zone of the water column extending from 1000 to 4000 m. | |
| Abyssopelagic zone (4000-6000 m) | The depth zone of the water column extending from 4000 to 6000 m. | |
| Hadopelagic zone (deeper than 6000 m) | The depth zone of the water column exceeding 6000 m. This zone corresponds to submarine trenches. | |
| Benthic zones | | |
| Littoral zone (0-200 m) | The littoral zone extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, typically down to 200 m deep. It is important to note that there is no single definition for the littoral zone because its full extent and divisions vary in different contexts and sources. The littoral zone includes the intertidal, but also all neritic waters within the bounds of the continental shelves. Although the littoral zone is larger than the intertidal zone, littoral and intertidal are often used interchangeably.
The part of the shore covering the intertidal and the splash zone, with the upper limit marked by the top of the lichen zone and the lower limit marked by the top of the laminarian kelp zone. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.)
| 425895 |
| Supralittoral zone/Supratidal zone | The supralittoral zone comprises the area above the high tide mark. This zone is also referred to as the supratidal zone. The supralittoral zone can be further divided into the spray zone and splash zone. | |
| Eulittoral zone/Mediolittoral zone/Intertidal zone | The eulittoral zone comprises the area between the high tide mark and the low tide mark. This zone is also referred to as the mediolittoral zone, midlittoral zone or the intertidal zone. Allhough the intertidal zone is part of the littoral zone, littoral and intertidal are often used interchangeably (see definition for Littoral zone). | |
| Sublittoral zone/Subtidal zone | The sublittoral zone comprises the seafloor from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf, typically down to 200 m deep. The shallowest portion of the sublittoral zone is sometimes referred to as the subtidal zone. Allthough the sublitoral zone is larger than the subtidal zone, sublittoral and subtidal are often used interchangeably.
The part of the shore continuously covered by water, below the intertidal zone. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.)
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| Infralittoral zone | The upper subdivision of the sublittoral zone, typically dominated by photosynthetic organisms. | |
| Upper infralittoral zone | The region of the sublittoral which extends from the lower limit of the infralittoral to the maximum depth at which photosynthesis is still possible. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| Lower infralittoral zone | The part of the infralittoral zone that supports scattered kelp plants. (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| Circalittoral zone | The lower subdivision of the sublittoral zone, typically dominated by animals. | |
| Upper circalittoral zone | Dominated by animals with sparse foliose algae except where grazed. The part of the circalittoral subzone on hard substrata distinguished by the presence of scattered foliose algae amongst the dominating animals; its lower limit is the maximum limit of depth for foliose algae (based on Hiscock, 1985). (Definition composed by Line Le Gall, Olivier De Clerck, Sofie Vranken and Marine Robuchon, based on diverse literature sources, in the framework of compiling macroalgae traits.) | 425895 |
| Bathyal zone (200-4000 m) | The bathyal zone comprises sea floors at depths between 200 and 4000 m. This zone generally corresponds to the continental slope. | |
| Abyssal zone (4000-6000 m) | The abyssal zone comprises sea floors at depths between 4000 and 6000 m. This zone generally corresponds to the abyssal plain. | |
| Hadal zone (deeper than 6000 m) | The hadal zone comprises sea floors at depths exceeding 6000 m. This zone corresponds to submarine trenches. | |
| Unreported | So far it has not been reported in literature which zonation this organism has. | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| + Locality (MRGID) | Marine Regions Geographic IDentifier (MRGID) for a place name in the Marine Regions gazetteer | |
| + Life stage | (click on Life stage at the bottom of the page to expand) | |
| adult | The reproductively capable (mature), fully formed, usually longest lived, stage of an animals life cycle. | |
| juvenile | Young bird or other animal, before it has acquired full adult plumage or form. | 424973 |
| egg | (1) ovum q.v.; (2) in certain animals, e.g. reptiles, birds, amphibians and insects, a structure composed of the fertilized ovum and nutritive and protective tissues, surrounded by a protective shell, which is laid by the female, and from which the young animal hatches. | 424973 |
| larva | Independently living, post-embryonic stage of an animal that is markedly different in form from the adult and which undergoes metamorphosis into the adult form, e.g. caterpillar, grub, tadpole. | 424973 |
| planula | The ovoid free-swimming ciliated larva of coelenterates. | 424973 |
| tadpole | Llarval stage in the life cycle of an amphibian, particularly frog or toad. Also called "pollywog". | |
| postlarva | | |
| spat | The spawn or young of bivalve molluscs. | 424973 |
| subadult | | |
| zoea | Early larval form of certain decapod crustaceans. | 424973 |
| nauplius | Earliest larval stage of many crustaceans, with three pairs of appendages. | 424973 |
| polyp | (1) Sedentary individual or zooid of a colonial animal; (2) in coelenterates, an individual having a tubular body, usually with a mouth and ring of tentacles on top, like a miniature sea anemone. | 424973 |
| medusa | One of the forms of individuals of coelenterates of the classes Hydrozoa (hydroids) and Scyphozoa (jellyfish). It is bell-shaped, with a tube hanging down in the centre ending in a mouth, and tentacles around the edge of the bell, and is the form commonly called a jellyfish. It forms the free-swimming sexual reproductive stage of most hydrozoans, and is large and conspicuous in jellyfish. | 424973 |
| ephyra | Imature medusa in some jellyfish, formed by strobilization from a polyp. | 424973 |
| megalops | A larval stage of certain crustaceans such as crabs, which has large stalked eyes and a crab-like cephalothorax. | 424973 |
| hydroid | One of the forms of individuals in the Hydrozoa, a class of solitary and colonial coelenterates, having a hollow cylindrical body closed at one end and with a mouth at the other surrounded by tentacles. | 424973 |
| manca | Larval (juvenile) stage of some isopods. | 424973 |
| cypris | The nonfeeding larval stage prior to metamorphosis into the cyprid (unknown source). Larval stage that follows the nauplius stage in cirripedes (Lawrence, 2005). | 424973 |
| hatchling | | |
| copepodite I | Juvenile stage after the nauplius stage in copepods (Lawrence, 2005). There are six life stages for copepods after the nauplius stage. Each life stage stages can be defined by the number of legs an individual has. Copepoda life stage after the nauplius life stage; determined by 2 swimming legs. | 6961 |
| copepodite II | Juvenile stage after the nauplius stage in copepods (Lawrence, 2005). There are six life stages for copepods after the nauplius stage. Each life stage stages can be defined by the number of legs an individual has. Copepoda life stage after the copepodite I life stage; determined by 3 swimming legs. | 6961 |
| copepodite III | Juvenile stage after the nauplius stage in copepods (Lawrence, 2005). There are six life stages for copepods after the nauplius stage. Each life stage stages can be defined by the number of legs an individual has. Copepoda life stage after the copepodite II life stage; determined by 4 swimming legs. | 6961 |
| copepodite IV | Juvenile stage after the nauplius stage in copepods (Lawrence, 2005). There are six life stages for copepods after the nauplius stage. Each life stage stages can be defined by the number of legs an individual has. Copepoda life stage after the copepodite III life stage; determined by 5 swimming legs. | 6961 |
| copepodite V | Juvenile stage after the nauplius stage in copepods (Lawrence, 2005). There are six life stages for copepods after the nauplius stage. Each life stage stages can be defined by the number of legs an individual has. Copepoda life stage after the copepodite IV life stage; pre-adult stage; determined by enlargement of the urosome and development of sexual organs. | 6961 |
| copepodite VI | Juvenile stage after the nauplius stage in copepods (Lawrence, 2005). There are six life stages for copepods after the nauplius stage. Each life stage stages can be defined by the number of legs an individual has. Copepoda life stage after the copepodite V life stage; adult stage; 5th leg is fully complete. | 6961 |
| gametophyte | The haploid sexual phase of a plant which exhibits an alternation of generations, from which gametes are produced, usually by mitotic division; the haploid gametophyte is typically formed by meiotic division of a diploid sporophyte q.v.; gamophyte; haplophyte. | 416344 |
| sporophyte | The diploid, spore-producing, asexual generation in the life cycle of a plant; typically formed by fusion of haploid gametes; diplophyte; synkaryophyte. | 416344 |
| macrothallus | The larger, conspicuous, phase in the life history of an organism, as contrasted with the microthallus. | 200706 |
| microthallus | The smaller, often inconspicuous, phase in the life history of an organisms, as contrasted with the marcrothallus. | 380501 |
| neonate | Newborn animal. | 424973 |
| 1-year old | An animal that has reached the age of 1 year. | |
| foetus | Mammalian embryo after the stage at which it becomes recognizable. | 424973 |
| podocyst | A cyst beneath the pedal discs of scyphozoan polyps. | |
| polygastric | Main, asexual life stage of calycophoran siphonophores. The polygastric stage is comprised of an anterior nectophore and a posterior nectophore, joined together to form a functional swimming unit. This resembles the "adult" life stage in Calycophorae, although the term "adult" should not be used for Siphonophorae. Cf. Physonectae and Cystonectae, where this life stage is called "colony". | 391288 |
| eudoxid | Sexual stage of siphonophores. | 391288 |
| colony | Main, asexual life stage of physonect and cystonect siphonophores. This resembles the "adult" life stage in Physonectae and Cystonectae, although the term "adult" should not be used for Siphonophorae. cf. Calycophorae, where this life stage is called "polygastric". | 391288 |
| medusoid | A life stage resembling or developing into a medusa. | 424973 |
| cerinula | larval stage within Ceriantharia | |
| pilidium | The characteristic helmet-shaped larva of nemertine worms. | 424973 |
| akinetes | Akinetes are resting cells that develop from solitary cells or after the fusion of two or more neighboring cells, and occur in several members of the Nostocales (Cyanobacteria) (Komárek and Johansen 2015, p. 138). | 415851 |
| resting spore | The diatom resting spores are first and foremost recognized by their heavily silicified frustules. The resting spore morphology of some species is similar to that of the corresponding vegetative cells, whereas in other species, the resting spores and the vegetative cells differ drastically. Diatom resting spores are normally formed as a response to unfavorable environmental conditions, and germination occurs when the conditions improve. Resting spore formation is common in centric, but rare in pennate marine planktonic diatoms (Hasle and Syvertsen 1997, p. 11). | 238097 |
| resting cyst | A dormant stage in which normal life processes are generally reduced (Fensome et al. 1993, p. 260). | 415852 |
| temporary cyst | A general term for nonmotile stages other than resting cysts (Dale 1983, p. 78). | 415853 |
| gametes | Haploid reproductive cell which, on fusion with another gamete produces a diploid cell (zygote) (Fensome et al. 1993, p. 254). | 415852 |
| auxospore | Large cell resulting from sexual reproduction or autogamy. In diatoms, they lack the rigid valve construction as other cells; instead, they are covered by delicate siliceous scales or bands (= perizonium) (Wehr et al. 2015, p. 964). | 334095 |
| copepodite stage not specified | Juvenile stage after the nauplius stage in copepods (Lawrence, 2005). | |
