Online Dictionary of Invertebrate Zoology: Complete Work - Best Text

94Maggenti and Gardnernized in ecology.assimilation n. [L. ad, near; similis, like] The basic nature ofliving matter to convert other substances into its own components.see genetic assimilation.association n. [L. ad, near; sociare, to join] 1. A group assemblageof organisms in a specific geological area withone or two dominant species. 2. A climax plant communitydominated by a particular species and named according totheir characteristics.association neuron An internuncial neuron, that connectssensory and motor neurons, or other association neurons ofthe central nervous system; a connector neuron.associes n.pl [L. ad, near; sociare, to join] 1. A transitory orintermediate stage in the development of an association. 2.A developmental unit of a consocies.assortment n. [L. ad, near; sors, lot] 1. To distribute or classify.2. The normal separation of genes at meiosis.assurgent a. [L. assurgens, to arise] Curving upward; ascending.astacene, astacin n. [L. astacus, lobster] A carotenoid redpigment of some invertebrates.astaxanthin n. [L. astacus, lobster; xanthos, yellow] (ARTHRO)A carotenoid biochrome of certain ingested vegetationfound in certain insects and marine crustaceans.astegasimous a. [Gr. an, without; stege, roof] (ARTHRO: Chelicerata)Referring to mites when the prodorsal scleritedoes not project over the chelicerae. see stegasimous.astelocyttarous a. [Gr. an, without; stele, pillar; kyttaros, cellof a honeycomb] (ARTHRO: Insecta) Pertaining to nests, especiallyof social wasps, in which the brood comb is directlyattached to a support and lacking pillars. see stelocyttarous.aster n. [Gr. aster, star] 1. Star-shaped figures that developduring mitosis. 2. (PORIF) A type of microsclere with severalrays originating from the same center. see chiaster.asteriform a. [Gr. aster, star; forma, shape] Of or pertainingto starlike or star-shaped.