Saprophyte: meaning, definitions and examples

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saprophyte

 

[ หˆsรฆprษ™faษชt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biology, ecology

A saprophyte is an organism that obtains nutrients by feeding on decaying organic matter. These organisms play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Synonyms

decomposer, detritivore, fungus.

Examples of usage

  • Fungi are common saprophytes that help decompose fallen leaves.
  • Certain bacteria act as saprophytes, aiding in the breakdown of dead organisms.
  • Many saprophytes are essential for nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "saprophyte" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น saprofitas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅˆเคชเฅเคฐเฅ‹เคซเคพเค‡เคŸเฅเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Saprophyten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ saprofit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฐะฟั€ะพั„ั–ั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ saprofity

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่…็”Ÿๆค็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท saprocytes

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ saprรณfitos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท saprofittir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€ํŒจ๊ท 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ู…ุชุทูู„ุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ saprofytรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ saprofity

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่…็”Ÿๆค็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ saprofiti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรกprรณfรญtar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฐะฟั€ะพั„ะธั‚ั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒžแƒ แƒแƒคแƒ˜แƒขแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ saprofiyalar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ saprรณfitos

Etymology

The term 'saprophyte' originates from the Greek word 'sapros', meaning 'rotten', and 'phyton', meaning 'plant'. The word was first used in scientific contexts in the late 19th century to describe organisms that thrive on dead or decaying matter. Saprophytic organisms are vital to the process of decomposition and serve as recyclers of nutrients in ecosystems. Prior to the introduction of the term 'saprophyte', these organisms were often categorized under broader groups of fungi and bacteria without specifically highlighting their roles in decomposition. Over time, the understanding of saprophytes has evolved, and they are now recognized as a critical component of ecological health, aiding in nutrient cycling and maintaining soil fertility.