Pronunciation: [ɡwˈɑːnə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
Guanos is a plural form of the noun guano, which is derived from the Quechua language of Peru. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word guanos is /ˈɡwɑːnəʊz/. The first sound is a voiced velar stop, followed by a low back vowel, and then a nasal sound. The "s" at the end indicates pluralization. Guanos refer to deposits of bird or bat droppings that contain high levels of nitrogen and used as fertilizer.
"Guanos" is a plural noun that refers to a type of organic substance that accumulates in areas where large concentrations of seabirds, bats, or marine mammals such as seals or sea lions congregate to nest or roost. This substance is composed of their accumulated excrement, and it mainly consists of feces, along with other bodily waste and decomposed material from the animals' diet.
Guanos are often found in locations with favorable conditions for the accumulation and preservation of the excrement. These places are typically remote islands, coastal cliffs, or caves, where the organic matter can build up undisturbed over long periods of time. The accumulation of guanos can result in thick layers that range in color from gray to brown, often with a strong odor due to the decomposition process.
Due to their composition, guanos are rich in essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Because of this, guanos have been historically used as a valuable source of fertilizer for agricultural purposes. The high nutrient content makes them an excellent natural fertilizer, contributing to increased crop yield and overall soil health.
In addition to their agricultural use, guanos also serve as important sources of nourishment for various organisms in their ecosystems. They support the growth of algae, microbial communities, and other marine life, thus playing a crucial role in the overall vitality and productivity of these habitats.
Overall, guanos are organic substances formed by the accumulation of consolidated excrement from seabirds, bats, or marine mammals. They are valuable as fertilizers and play a significant ecological role in supporting diverse ecosystems.
The word "guanos" comes from the Spanish term "guano", which is derived from the Quechua word "wanu". Quechua is an indigenous language spoken by several Andean ethnic groups in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and other parts of South America. "Wanu" refers specifically to the excrement of seabirds and bats, which is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The Spanish term "guano" was adopted by English speakers in the mid-19th century to refer to these bird and bat droppings, which became highly valuable as a fertilizer. Over time, the term "guano" was further extended to encompass other types of organic fertilizers, and today is commonly used to refer to any natural deposit of excrement, especially from seabirds. Thus, "guanos" is the plural form of "guano", referring to multiple deposits of organic fertilizer.
