Inflammation. The local response to any local injury in a vertebrate. Consists of
(i) dilatation of blood-vessels;
(ii) invasion of tissue by leucocytes from the blood;
(iii) passage of blood proteins and fluid through capillary walls into tissue spaces. Functions probably as protective mechanism (by means of leucocytes and antibodies) against any invading bacteria

Inflorescence. A particular arrangement of flowers on a single main stalk of a plant. There are many different types of inflorescence, which are classified into two main groups depending on whether the tip flower axis goes on producing new flower buds during or loses this ability.

Information theory. The study of the measurement and properties of codes and messages.

Infusion. The liquid extract of any substances which has been soaked in water.

Initial(s) (Bot.) Cell or cells from which, by division or differentiation tissues or organs develop. E.g. inapical meristems; cell from which antheridium develops in Bryophtya.

Input load. The quantity of infector alleles in the pool resulting from mutation and immigration.

Insecticide. Any substance such as DDT or malathion, that is used to kill insects.

Insectivore. Any member of the Insectivore, and order of placental mammals; a primitive insect-eating group, resembling in many respects the Cretaceous ancestors of all placental e.g. mole, hedgehog, shrew.

Insectivorous. Any member of the Insectivore, an order of placental mammals; a primitive insect-eating group, resembling in many respects the Cretaceous ancestors of all placental. e.g. mole, hedgehog, shrew.

Insectivorous. Insect-eating.

Insemination. Any means by which male sperm are introduced to the female prior to fertilization.