Fauna
Fauna (faw-nuh)
Fauna refers to all the animal life present in a particular region or time. The corresponding term for plants is Flora. The term was first used by Carl Linnaeus from Sweden in the 18th century. The word "fauna" comes from the name of Fauna, a Roman goddess of earth and fertility, the Roman god Faunus, and the related forest spirits called Fauns. All three words are cognates of the name of the Greek god Pan, and panis is the Greek equivalent of fauna.
Etymology
The term "fauna" originates from the Latin noun "Fauna", the feminine form of "Faunus", which was the name of a Roman deity. Faunus was the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Pan, and was associated with forests, plains, and fields; all places of animal life. Hence, "fauna" denotes the animal life of a certain region or time.
Related Terms
- Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Ecosystem: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
- Zoology: The scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.
- Biome: A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.
- Endemic Species: Species that are native to or restricted to a certain country or area.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fauna
- Wikipedia's article - Fauna
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