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DDT
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Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. 1) The insecticide C14H9Cl5, 2) any of a group of similar chemicals.
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decomposer
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An organism that gains energy by breaking down the final remains of living things. Predominantly bacteria and fungi, decomposers are important in freeing the last of minerals and nutrients from organics and recycling them back into the food web. See also decomposition; compare detrivore.
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decomposition
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The biochemical process where biological materials are broken down into smaller particles and eventually into basic chemical compounds and elements. See also decomposer.
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demersal
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Sinking to or inhabiting the ocean bottom.
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detritus
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Dead organic matter of plants or animals. See also detrivore.
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detrivore
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An organism that feeds on large bits of dead and decaying organic matter. What detrivores leave behind is used by decomposers. Crabs and seabirds are examples of detrivores. See also detritus; compare decomposer.
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DFO
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Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
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diatoms
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Microscopic algae with plate-like structures composed of silica.
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divergent evolution
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The evolution of one species to a number of different forms. See also evolution; compare convergent evolution.
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diversity
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Genetic variations that allow a population to use a wider array of environments, protect against short-term spatial or temporal changes in the environment, and survive long-term environmental changes.
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DOC
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U.S. Department of Commerce. Mission includes creating an infrastructure that promotes economic growth, technological competitiveness, and sustainable development. NOAA is under the DOC and NMFS is under NOAA.
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DOI
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U.S. Department of the Interior.
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domestic selection
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Adaptation of a population to the hatchery environment, which may diminish adaptation of the population to the natural environment.
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domestication
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1) Captivity (e.g., being reared in a hatchery), 2) Genetic, physiological, or bevahioral changes that may occur in captivity.
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domoic acid
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A water-soluble amino acid, domoic acid is a deadly neurotoxin produced by some algae (from Japanese domoi = seaweed, in which it is sometimes concentrated). See also ASP.
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dorsal
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Upper side of a fish's body (opposite of ventral).
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