CALCIFUGOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Calcifugous is an adjective that describes an organism or plant's ability to avoid or resist growing in calcium-rich soil or habitats. Derived from the Latin term "calcis," meaning "lime" or "calcium," and "fugere," meaning "to flee" or "avoid," calcifugous organisms typically thrive in acidic or less calcareous locations.
Plants that are calcifugous have adapted to acidic soils, high rainfall areas, or regions with limited calcium availability. They possess physiological and morphological characteristics allowing them to live and reproduce successfully despite the absence of significant calcium content. These adaptions might include root systems that are efficient in extracting nutrients other than calcium, such as iron or magnesium, or the capacity to tolerate higher acidity levels.
Calcifugous organisms can be found in various ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, heaths, and acidic bogs. Examples of calcifugous plant species include rhododendrons, blueberries, and heather, which are typically found in acidic, non-calcareous soils.
Understanding the concept of calcifugous is crucial in the fields of ecology, horticulture, and soil sciences. Horticulturists might use this knowledge to select appropriate plants for acidic soils or to adapt soil management techniques to ensure optimal conditions for calcifugous species. Ecologists use the term to describe the distribution and adaptation of plants in different soil types and their impact on ecosystem composition and functioning.
Common Misspellings for CALCIFUGOUS
- xalcifugous
- valcifugous
- falcifugous
- dalcifugous
- czlcifugous
- cslcifugous
- cwlcifugous
- cqlcifugous
- cakcifugous
- capcifugous
- caocifugous
- calxifugous
- calvifugous
- calfifugous
- caldifugous
- calcufugous
- calcjfugous
- calckfugous
- calcofugous
Etymology of CALCIFUGOUS
The word "calcifugous" is derived from two Latin roots: "calc" meaning lime or calcium, and "fug" meaning to flee or avoid. The suffix "-ous" in English signifies "full of" or "having the quality of". Therefore, "calcifugous" describes something that avoids or is intolerant of lime or calcium.
Similar spelling words for CALCIFUGOUS
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