noncrested

Noncrested is an adjective used in biology to describe organisms or anatomical features that lack a crest. A crest is typically a raised or elongated structure such as a feather plume on the head, a dorsal crest on a reptile, or a decorative growth at the crown of a plant. The term derives from the prefix non- plus crest, from Latin crista meaning ridge or comb.

In taxonomy, noncrested is often paired with crested to distinguish individuals or varieties in descriptions, field guides, and reports. It is most commonly applied to birds, where some species have crests and others do not; it can also describe reptiles, fish, or mammals that display a crest or lack one. In horticulture, cultivars may be described as crested when they have a crest-like growth at the growing point; noncrested varieties would be understood as not exhibiting that feature.

Crest formation is influenced by genetics, development, and environment, and the presence or absence of a crest can affect behavior, display, thermoregulation, or camouflage. Recognizing noncrested status helps avoid misidentification when crests are used as distinguishing markers. See also: crest, crestless, crested.