PHYTIVOROUS Meaning and
Definition
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Phytivorous is an adjective used to describe an organism that primarily or exclusively feeds on plants or plant material for its sustenance. The term is derived from the combination of "phyto" meaning plant and "voros" meaning to eat.
The concept of phytivory is commonly encountered in the field of biology, particularly in the study of herbivorous animals and their dietary habits. It encompasses a wide range of organisms, including insects, mammals, birds, and reptiles, that have adapted to consume vegetation as their primary food source.
Phytivorous organisms have evolved various adaptations to efficiently process plant material. For instance, herbivorous mammals often possess specialized teeth, such as molars with broad surfaces for grinding tough plant matter. Additionally, they may have elongated digestive systems, allowing for the fermentation and breakdown of cellulose, a major component of plant cell walls.
Insects that are phytivorous may have distinct mouthparts adapted for piercing, chewing, or sucking plant tissues. These adaptations allow them to extract nutrients, such as sugars and proteins, from plants.
Phytivorous organisms play significant roles in ecosystems by shaping plant diversity and distribution. They can influence plant populations through selective feeding, which may enhance or hinder the growth and survival of particular species. Understanding the interactions between phytivores and plants is crucial for studying trophic dynamics and ecological balance within an ecosystem.
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Applied to animals that subsist on plants; herbivorous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PHYTIVOROUS
- ohytivorous
- lhytivorous
- -hytivorous
- 0hytivorous
- pgytivorous
- pbytivorous
- pnytivorous
- pjytivorous
- puytivorous
- pyytivorous
- phttivorous
- phgtivorous
- phhtivorous
- phutivorous
- ph7tivorous
- ph6tivorous
- phyrivorous
- phyfivorous
- phygivorous
- phyyivorous
Etymology of PHYTIVOROUS
The word "phytivorous" is derived from two roots: "phyto-" and "-vorous".
The root "phyto-" is derived from the Greek word "phyton", meaning "plant". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to refer to plants or characteristics related to plants.
The suffix "-vorous" is derived from the Latin word "vorare", meaning "to swallow" or "to devour". It is often used to indicate food habits or feeding behavior, suggesting that the organism in question consumes or feeds on a particular type of food.
When these two root elements are combined, "phytivorous" is formed, and it describes an organism that predominantly or exclusively feeds on plants.
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