interspecific
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interspecific (bioI.) between different species, ~competition, biological.
interstitial relates to the space between sediment grains which forms a more or
less coherent system of cavities and channels. This interstitial space is filled
with interstitial or pore water. The relative size of this space depends on
form, compaction, and size distribution of the grains. Sediment grains with
a large total surface form a good substratum for all kinds of bacteria and
unicellular algae, which provide food for a highly specialized fauna of for
instance Nematoda worms, various Crustacea and Protozoa. Such interstitial
organisms play an important role in the decomposition of organic material,
a process usually resulting in enhanced concentrations of nutrients in interstitial water. ~meiobenthos.
Interstitial space. (Fenchel1969)
intertidal zone ~zonation.
intracellular digestion degradation of food substances into smaller molecules as
it takes place inside the cells of living organisms. Usually the enzymatic
breakdown of nutrients occurs outside the cells because most digestive
enzymes have their pH optimum at acidic or basic pH values, while cellular
pH is always close to neutral. Sometimes, however, food particles are ingest-