Chapter 1 Introduction
Appendix 1-7
Glossary
A
Adaptation - a process by which a species or natural system responds to actual or expected stimuli (or their effects) which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
Adapted . An organism that has changed its structure or habits to produce better adjustment to the environment; expression of a genetically determined characteristic that enhances the ability of an organism to cope with its environment. Adaptive management – a process for adjusting management and research decisions to better achieve management objectives, recognizing that knowledge about natural resource systems is uncertain.
Aggregation . A group of organisms of the same or different species living closely together but less integrated than a society.
Anadromous – a fish or fish species that migrates up rivers from the sea to breed in fresh water.
Anadromous fish nursery area (AFNA) - Those areas in the riverine and estuarine systems utilized by postlarval and later juvenile anadromous fish.
Anadromous fish spawning area (AFSA) – Those areas where evidence of spawning of anadromous fish has been documented in Division sampling records through direct observation of spawning, capture of running ripe females, or capture of eggs or early larvae. Anaerobic soil –Soils that are heavy textured (clay), compacted, wet or flooded tend to be anaerobic because they have little to no oxygenated air in the soil pores to carry out normal oxidative reactions (such as decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling). Anaerobic soils are referred to as hydric soils when they are sufficiently wet in the upper part to develop anaerobic conditions during the growing season.
Anthropogenic – relating to, or resulting from, the influences of humans; used to describe an impact caused by humans or human activities.
Aquatic habitat – the wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and estuaries where aquatic organisms ( e.g ., fish, benthic macroinvertebrates) live and reproduce. This habitat includes the water, substrate, aquatic vegetation, and other physical components ( e.g., woody debris) upon and within which the organisms occur. Aquatic species -- An organism that lives in water at least most of its life.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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