Volatility
- Pronunciation
- /vuh-LAT-uh-tee/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Volatility
- Plural
- Volatilities
Definition
A measure of the rate at which an organism's behavior or physiology changes in response to environmental stimuli.
Etymology
From Latin 'volatilis', meaning 'fleeting, swift'.
Example
The high volatility of some insect species makes them difficult to study in the field.
Related Terms
- Behavioral plasticity
- Adaptation
- Stress response
Usage Notes
Volatility can be measured as a change in behavior, physiology, or morphology.