Necrophagy
- Pronunciation
- /neh-KROH-fuh-jee/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Necrophagy
- Plural
- Necrophagies
Definition
The practice of feeding on dead and decaying animal matter.
Etymology
From Greek 'nekros', meaning 'dead', and 'phagein', meaning 'to eat'.
Example
Certain beetles, such as the carrion beetle, engage in necrophagy as part of their ecological role in decomposition.
Synonyms
- Scavenging
- Carrion feeding
Related Terms
- Carrion
- Decomposition
- Detritivores
- Saprophagy
Usage Notes
Necrophagy is crucial for ecosystem nutrient cycling, as it helps in the breakdown and recycling of organic matter.