Hypogeal

Definition

Pertaining to or occurring under the surface of the ground, often used to describe organisms or behaviors that take place underground.

Etymology

From Greek 'hypo-', meaning 'under', and 'ge', meaning 'earth'.

Example

Many ants exhibit hypogeal nesting behaviors, creating subterranean colonies to protect themselves from predators and environmental extremes.

Synonyms

• Subterranean
• Underground

Related Terms

• Burrowing
• Cryptobiotic
• Soil fauna

Usage Notes

The term 'hypogeal' is often used in contrast with 'epigeal', which refers to organisms or behaviors occurring above the ground.