Appendix 1-7 Glossary
Chapter 1 Introduction
Nocturnal . Active during night hours.
Nonnative species - any species that has been introduced (either intentionally or accidentally) to an area outside its natural past or present distribution. This includes any part (gametes, seeds, eggs, or propagules) of such species that might survive and subsequently reproduce. Nonnative species can be invasive, injurious, or beneficial where it occurs. Nursery areas - Those areas in which for reasons such as food, cover, bottom type, salinity, temperature and other factors, young finfish and crustaceans spend the major portion of their initial growing season.
O
Objective – a concise statement of intended achievement; something toward which effort is directed.
Omnivorous. Having the ability or natural inclination to use both animal and plants as food.
Optimum sustainable population – (as defined by the Marine Mammal Protection Act) the number of animals which will result in the maximum productivity of the population or the species, keeping in mind the optimum carrying capacity of the habitat and the health of the ecosystem of which they form a constituent element; a population size which falls within a range from the carrying capacity of the ecosystem to the population level that results in maximum net productivity. Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) - Supplemental NC DWQ classification intended to protect unique and special waters having excellent water quality and being of exceptional state or national ecological or recreational significance. To qualify, waters must be rated Excellent by DWQ and have one of the following outstanding resource values.
P
Palustrine system – Ponds; isolated water bodies with salinity below 0.5 ppt and situated in a topographic depression or dammed stream channel. Ponds are generally less than 8 ha (20 acres) in size and water depth is no greater than 2 m (6.6 ft).
Parasite . An organism that draws nutrients from another living organism. The second organism, called a host, is often harmed by the relationship.
Patagium . A membrane stretching from the body wall to the limbs or tips of digits; it serves as the airfoil in gliding mammals and the wing in bats.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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