Polyphagous: meaning, definitions and examples
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polyphagous
[ ˌpɒliˈfæɡəs ]
feeding habits
The term 'polyphagous' describes organisms that are capable of feeding on a variety of foods, often including many different types of plants or animals. This adaptability in diet allows polyphagous species to thrive in diverse environments and respond to fluctuations in food availability.
Synonyms
multifaceted, omnivorous, varied
Examples of usage
- Polyphagous insects can survive in multiple ecosystems.
- Some polyphagous birds eat fruits, seeds, and insects.
- Polyphagous species are often more resilient to environmental changes.
Translations
Translations of the word "polyphagous" in other languages:
🇵🇹 polifágico
🇮🇳 बहु-आहारिक
🇩🇪 polyphag
🇮🇩 polifag
🇺🇦 поліфагний
🇵🇱 polifagiczny
🇯🇵 多食性の
🇫🇷 polyphage
🇪🇸 polifágico
🇹🇷 polifag
🇰🇷 다식성의
🇸🇦 متعدد الأكل
🇨🇿 polyfágní
🇸🇰 polifágny
🇨🇳 杂食性的
🇸🇮 polifagni
🇮🇸 fjölætna
🇰🇿 көп тамақтанатын
🇬🇪 პოლიფაგური
🇦🇿 polifag
🇲🇽 polifágico
Word origin
The word 'polyphagous' is derived from the Greek roots 'poly-', meaning 'many', and 'phagein', meaning 'to eat'. It reflects a dietary characteristic that allows an organism to consume a wide range of food sources. The usage of the term in biological contexts emerged in the 19th century, as scientists began to classify and understand various feeding behaviors among insects and animals. Understanding polyphagous feeding habits is crucial in fields like ecology and agriculture, where such species can have significant impacts on ecosystems and crops. The versatility of polyphagous organisms showcases the complexity of food webs and the interdependencies within nature.