Statistical Terms Glossary

Biological accumulation is the accumulation of elements and compounds of harmful substances in the tissues of living organisms

A biological benchmark is a population level or fitness of plant or animal species used as a benchmark for measuring pollution in natural systems (habitats)

The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Diversity indices are measures of richness (the number of species in a system); and to some extent, evenness (variances of species’ local abundance). They are therefore indifferent to species substitutions which may, however, reflect ecosystem stresses (such as those due to high fishing intensity).

Through enhanced production, processing and distribution of food and agricultural products.

Gender-related consideration of the WHO Gender Analysis Matrix. Refers to those factors only related to physiology such as: reproductive and/or conditions related to physiological and/or hormonal changes; genetic or hereditary conditions (or those transferred from parent to child through chromosomes).

Biological indicator refer to organisms, species or community whose characteristics show the presence of specific environmental conditions. Other terms used are indicator organism, indicator plant and indicator species

Biological pest control refers to the use of predatory or parasitic organisms instead of highly polluting chemicals to reduce the number of harmful animals or plants, as in, for example, the destruction of the citrophilus mealy bug by parasitic species of the chalcid wasp; the predation of beetles on the cottony—cushion scale; and the control of Japanese beetles by Bacillus popilliae

Biomass levels (Bpa) and fishing levels (Fpa), established under the precautionary principle, concerning the reproduction of the stock, aiming at conservation of the resources. The assumptions and methods used to determine the PaRPs should be mentioned.

A specific type of reference point. A biological reference point indicates a particular biological state of a fishery resource indicator corresponding to a situation considered as desirable (Target reference point, TRP) or undesirable and requiring immediate action (Limit reference point, LRP, and Threshold reference point, ThRP)

Timber resources, crop and plant resources, aquatic resources , and animal resources other than aquatic that bring use benefits today or that may do so in the future. Each category of biological resource in the SEEA asset classification is subdivided into cultivated and non cultivated sub-categories.

A biological specimen including, for example, blood, tissue, urine, etc. taken from a participant.

Biological treatment technology refers to waste-water treatment employing aerobic and anaerobic micro-organisms that results in decanted effluents and separate sludge containing microbial mass together with pollutants. Biological treatment processes are also used in combination or in conjunction with mechanical and advanced unit operations.

Biological waste is waste containing mostly natural organic materials (remains of plants, animal excrement, biological sludge from waste-water treatment plants and so forth)

Total living weight (generally in dry weight) of all organisms in a particular area or habitat. It is sometimes expressed as weight per unit area of land or per unit volume of water.

Biomass corresponding to maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Often used as a biological reference point in fisheries management, it is the long-term average biomass expected if fishing at the rate of FMSY (see Fishing mortality).

Vegetation belt/region on the earth's surface determined by its distinct climatic conditions.

Biomedical research comprises: the study of specific diseases and conditions (mental or physical), including detection, cause, prophylaxis, treatment and rehabilitation of persons; the design of methods, drugs and devices used to diagnose, support and maintain the individual during and after treatment for specific diseases or conditions; the scientific investigation required to understand the underlying life processes which affect disease and human well-being, including such areas as cellular and molecular bases of diseases, genetics, immunology. A full list of such activities includes clinical trials and laboratory investigations, the study of exposure to environmental agents and various behavioural hazards.

Identification of individuals through one or more of their physical characteristics.

Management of all biological and environmental risks associated with food and agriculture, including forestry and fisheries.; Implementation of practices that create barriers in order to reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of disease agents.; A strategic and integrated approach that encompasses the policy and regulatory frameworks [including instruments and activities] that analyze and manage risks in the sectors of: food safety; animal life and health; plant life and health, including associated environmental risks.

Sludge and other residue deposits obtained from residual water treatment plants and from treatment applied to urban and industrial wastes (food industries or other types of industry).; Nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge (the name for the solid, semisolid or liquid residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility).

Living component of an ecosystem.

Biphobia is an irrational fear, hatred or aversion towards bisexual people.