Defoliation: meaning, definitions and examples

Environmental Science

• Defoliation can occur naturally, as with deciduous trees shedding leaves in autumn to conserve water during winter.
• In agriculture, defoliation might be deliberately induced to help crops by removing unhealthy leaves, allowing better airflow and sunlight.

Military History

• During the Vietnam War, a chemical known as Agent Orange was used for defoliation to eliminate forest cover, aiming to expose enemy hideouts.
• The practice of using chemicals for defoliation has led to significant discussion about ecological damage and long-term effects on health and environment.

Climate Change

• Defoliation is often linked to climate change effects, as rising temperatures and altered weather patterns influence plant and tree life cycles.
• Excessive defoliation can disrupt ecosystems, impacting not only plants but also the animals dependent on them for food and shelter.

Botany

• Certain insects, like caterpillars or beetles, are known to cause defoliation when they feed on the leaves of plants, potentially leading to their decline.
• Some plants, such as autumn and spring-blooming species, have adapted to natural defoliation patterns for better growth cycles.

Cultural References

• In literature and art, defoliation is often depicted as a metaphor for loss and change, embodying the cycle of life and death.
• The season of spring is often celebrated for new leaves, contrasting the defoliation seen in the fall, symbolizing renewal and hope.

Positioned at #22,143, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22140 pluralist
• 22141 banter
• 22142 dregs
• 22143 defoliation
• 22144 unconstrained
• 22145 etiological
• 22146 leukaemia
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