Passive Transport

Passive Transport

Passive Transport Definition Passive transport, also known as passive diffusion, is a process by which an ion or molecule passes through a cell wall via a concentration gradient, or from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.  It’s like moving from the train to the platform of a subway station, or … Read more

Ventral Cavity

Ventral Cavity

Ventral Cavity Definition The ventral cavity, or ventral body cavity, is a fluid filled space surrounding the organs on the ventral side of humans and other tetrapods. The ventral cavity is one of two main cavities, the other being the dorsal cavity.  The ventral cavity, in humans, is actually made up of two separate cavities, … Read more

Haploid

Haploid

Haploid Definition Haploid is the condition of a cell having a one set of chromosomes. Ploidy refers to the number of copies of the genome. Humans, and many other organisms, are diploid organisms. This means that the majority of their lifecycle is spent with two copies of the genome in every cell.  Typically, haploid cells … Read more

Zooplankton

Zooplankton

Zooplankton Definition Zooplankton (pictured below) are a type of heterotrophic plankton that range from microscopic organisms to large species, such as jellyfish. Zooplankton are found within large bodies of water, including oceans and freshwater systems.  Zooplankton are drifting ecologically important organisms that are an integral component of the food chain. Types of Zooplankton The most … Read more

Decomposers in the Ocean

Decomposers in the Ocean

Because of the warmer temperatures in tropical oceans, such as the Pacific, more decomposer organisms can be found. In marine ecosystems, bacteria are the most common decomposers. In addition to fungi, marine worms, echinoderms, crustaceans, and mollusks, there are other important decomposers.  Only bacteria and fungi can decompose in the colder ocean waters since other … Read more