Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Ectotherm Definition An ectotherm is an organism which derives the heat it requires from the environment. This is in contrast to an endotherm, which creates the heat it needs from internal chemical reactions. A common misconception is that an ectotherm is “cold-blooded”. An ectotherm can regulate its temperature behaviorally, by moving into warmer areas or positioning…

Ectoderm Definition The ectoderm is a germ layer, or tissue layer, that forms in an animal embryo during development. As the name suggests, the ectoderm is the germ layer that covers the outside of the embryo (‘ecto’ meaning outside). The ectoderm then goes on to give rise to a number of both internal and external…

Definition An ecosystem or biome describes a single environment and every living (biotic) organism and non-living (abiotic) factor that is contained within it or characterizes it. An ecosystem embodies every aspect of a single habitat, including all interactions between its different elements. Ecosystem Explained The contents of an ecosystem can range from light and moisture…

Ecology Definition Ecology is the branch of biology that studies how organisms interact with their environment and other organisms. Every organism experiences complex relationships with other organisms of its species, and organisms of different species. These complex interactions lead to different selective pressures on organisms. The pressures together lead to natural selection, which causes populations of…

Ecological Succession Definition Ecological succession is a term developed by botanists to describe the change in structure of a community of different species, or ecosystem. The concept of ecological succession arose from a desire to understand how large and complex ecosystems like forests can exist in places known to be recently formed, such as volcanic islands.…

Ecological Pyramid Definition An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem. Each of the bars that make up the pyramid represents a different trophic level, and their order, which is based on who eats whom, represents the flow of energy. Energy moves up the pyramid, starting with the primary producers,…

Ecological Niche Definition In ecology, a niche is the role or job of a species in a habitat. The word niche comes from the French word nicher, which means “to nest.” An ecological niche describes how a species interacts with, and lives in, its habitat. Ecological niches have specific characteristics, such as availability of nutrients, temperature,…

Echinoderm Definition An echinoderm is a member of the phylum Echinodermata which contains a number of marine organisms recognized by their pentamerous radial symmetry, calcareous endoskeleton, and a water vascular system which helps operate their small podia. Podia are small extensions of flesh which are operated by water pressure and muscles, and controlled by the nervous system of the echinoderm.…

Ecdysis Definition Ecdysis comes from the Greek word ekdusis, which means “put off.” It describes the process by which arthropods and insects shed their outer cuticle (exoskeleton), or how reptiles shed their old skin. This process is necessary in order for the organism to grow. The term for the cuticle or skin that is lost is exuviae.…

Ear Definition The ear is the organ found in animals which is designed to perceive sounds. Most animals have some sort of ear to perceive sounds, which are actually high-frequency vibrations caused by the movement of objects in the environment. The human ear picks up and interprets high-frequency vibrations of air, while the sound-sensing organs…