Saprophytic
Saprophytic
Saprophytic (pronunciation: /sæprəˈfɪtɪk/) is a term used in the field of biology to describe organisms that obtain their nutrients from decaying organic matter. The term is derived from the Greek words "sapros" meaning rotten and "phyton" meaning plant.
Etymology
The term "saprophytic" is derived from the Greek words "sapros" and "phyton". "Sapros" translates to "rotten" or "decaying", and "phyton" translates to "plant". This term was first used in the late 19th century to describe the way certain plants and fungi obtain their nutrients.
Related Terms
- Decomposer: An organism, often a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down the cells of dead plants and animals into simpler substances.
- Detritivore: An organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, returning essential nutrients to the ecosystem.
- Fungi: A group of unicellular or multicellular organisms, which includes molds, yeasts, mushrooms, and toadstools.
- Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent on another organism for life).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saprophytic
- Wikipedia's article - Saprophytic
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