aggregation

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aggregation
1. The group of animals that forms when individuals are attracted to an environmental resource to which each responds independently. The term does not imply any social organization.

2. The process in which soil particles coalesce and adhere to form soil aggregates. Aggregation is encouraged by the presence of bonding agents such as organic substances, clay, iron oxides, and ions (e.g. calcium and magnesium).

3. The progressive attachment of particles (e.g. ice or snow) or droplets around a nucleus, thereby causing its growth.

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