Saprophyte: meaning, definitions and examples
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saprophyte
[ หsรฆprษfaษชt ]
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:
๐ต๐น saprofitas
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคชเฅเคฐเฅเคซเคพเคเคเฅเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Saprophyten
๐ฎ๐ฉ saprofit
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฐะฟัะพัััะธ
๐ต๐ฑ saprofity
๐ฏ๐ต ่ ็ๆค็ฉ
๐ซ๐ท saprocytes
๐ช๐ธ saprรณfitos
๐น๐ท saprofittir
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ถํจ๊ท
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูู ุชุทููุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ saprofytรฉ
๐ธ๐ฐ saprofity
๐จ๐ณ ่ ็ๆค็ฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ saprofiti
๐ฎ๐ธ sรกprรณfรญtar
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐะฟัะพัะธััะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแแ แแคแแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ saprofiyalar
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.