Preparation for Searching

In order to get the documents and information you want from a web search, you must be familiar with the terminology associated with the topic you are investigating. Such terminology is referred to as “keywords.” Dictionaries and encyclopedias are excellent sources. A dictionary will present synonyms. An encyclopedia will present a context for the terminology.

These are a few suggestions for online dictionaries:

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary and Thesaurus
A straightforward, “no frills” dictionary and thesaurus combination.

YourDictionary
A dictionary with a multiple language translation interface.

Dictionaries Directory
Librarians' Index to the Internet

Biology Dictionary
Biology-Online

Life Science Dictionary
University of Texas

Glossary of Physical Oceanography and Related Terms

One of the most common problems with using online dictionaries as a source for scientific terminology is that the subject matter is oftentimes too specialized for inclusion in a “standard” dictionary. For example, most online dictionaries will return a useful definition for “photosynthesis”, but many will not return any results at all for “zooxanthellae.” The more specialized the terminology is, the more specialized the online dictionary needs to be.

A useful directory for dictionaries specializing in scientific terminology is:

BUBL LINK Catalogue of Internet Resources - Dictionaries

These are a few suggestions for online encyclopedias:

Encyclopedia Britannica Online

Encyclopedia of Marine Biology

Worldbook Online Reference Center

Books about the topic of interest are perhaps the best, although the most expensive, sources for terminology with which to conduct online searches. With regards to saltwater aquaria and reefkeeping terminology, the following books could prove quite valuable.

For General S altwater Aquarium Terminology:

Moe, M. A. Jr., 1982, 1992. (Revised & expanded, 1992) The Marine Aquarium. Beginner to Breeder. Green Turtle Publications, Plantation, Florida, USA.

Spotte, S., 1970. Fish and Invertebrate Culture: Water Management in Closed Systems. John Wiley & Sons, New York, New York, USA.

Spotte, S., 1973. Seawater Aquariums, The Captive Environment. John Wiley & Sons, New York, New York, USA

For Reefkeeping Terminology:

Borneman, E. H. 2001. Aquarium Corals. Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History. TFH Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey, USA.

Calfo, A. and R. Fenner, 2003. Reef Invertebrates. An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility. Reading Trees and Wet Web Media Publications, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, USA.

Delbeek, J. C. and J. Sprung, 1994. The Reef Aquarium.Volume 1. Ricordea Publishing, Coconut Grove, Florida, USA.

Moe, M. A. Jr., 1989, 1992. (revised, 1992) The Marine Aquarium Reference: Systems and Invertebrates. Green Turtle Publications, Plantation, Florida, USA.

For Terminology Relating to Marine Aquaria as Ecosystems:

Adey, W. H. and K Lovelace, 1991, 1998. (revised, 1998) Dynamic Aquaria. Building Living Ecosystems. Academic Press, San Diego, California, USA.

Tyree, S., 2000. The Environmental Gradient. Cryptic Sponge and Sea Squirt Filtration Models. D.E. Publishing, Rancho Cucamonga, USA.

Tyree, S., 1998. Reef Building Stony Corals. The Natural Physical Environment. D.E. Publishing, Rancho Cucamonga, USA.

For Terminology Relating to Taxonomy and Systematics:

Burgess, W. E. and, H. R. Axelrod, and R. E. Hunziker III. Dr. Burgess’s Atlas of Marine Aquarium Fishes, 3rd Edition. TFH Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey, USA.

Shimek, R. L., 2004. Marine Invertebrates. 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species. TFH Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey, USA.

Sprung, J., 1999. Corals. A Quick Reference Guide. Ricordea Publishing. Coconut Grove, Florida, USA.

Sprung, J., 2001. Invertebrates. A Quick Reference Guide. Ricordea Publishing, Coconut Grove, Florida, USA.

Veron, J. E. N., 2000. Corals of the World. Volume 1. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia.

Veron, J. E. N., 2000. Corals of the World. Volume 2. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia.

Veron, J. E. N., 2000. Corals of the World. Volume 3. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia.

Frugal Researcher Hint: Many of these titles have their “Table of Contents” reproduced online at http://www.amazon.com . While not comprehensive, in terms of the book’s terminology, this kind of listing could be a focused and inexpensive source of terminology and related vocabulary.