1. ecology the capacity of an organism or biological process to subsist under a given set of environmental conditions —note the range of conditions under which it can subsist, representing its limits of tolerance, is termed its ecological amplitude 2. entomology, pathology the ability of a plant to endure the development and survive the invasion of a parasite or pathogenic organism with minimum symptoms of disease —see susceptibility 3. human health the amount of a pesticide that may safely and legally remain as a residue on a food plant or in meat or fat —synonym tolerance level 4. silviculture the capacity of trees to grow satisfactorily in the shade of, and in competition with, other trees; if intolerant of shade, they are termed light demanders; if tolerant, shade bearers —see shade tolerance, light demanding 5. wildlife the ability of animals to adjust to different or disturbed habitatsThis definition last updated 10/01/2008