Saprophage
- Pronunciation
- /SA-pruh-fayj/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Saprophage
- Plural
- Saprophages
Definition
An organism that feeds on decaying organic matter, especially in the context of decomposing plant or animal material.
Etymology
From Greek 'sapros', meaning 'rotten', and 'phagein', meaning 'to eat'.
Example
Many beetle larvae are saprophages, helping to break down dead trees and leaf litter.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Decomposition
- Organic matter
- Nutrient cycling
Usage Notes
Saprophages play a crucial role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients and breaking down organic matter.