saprophyte Definition
a plant, fungus, or microorganism that lives on dead or decaying organic matter.
Using saprophyte: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "saprophyte" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Mushrooms are saprophytes that feed on decaying organic matter.
Example
Bacteria and fungi are examples of saprophytes.
Example
Saprophytes play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter into nutrients that can be used by other organisms.
saprophyte Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for saprophyte
- decomposer
- scavenger
- detritivore
Phrases with saprophyte
an organism that can only survive by feeding on dead organic matter
Example
Some fungi are obligate saprophytes and cannot live without a source of decaying organic matter.
an organism that can survive by feeding on either living or dead organic matter
Example
Many bacteria are facultative saprophytes and can switch between feeding on living or dead organic matter depending on the availability of resources.
mycoparasitic saprophyte
a fungus that feeds on other fungi as well as dead organic matter
Example
Trichoderma is a mycoparasitic saprophyte that is commonly used in agriculture to control plant diseases caused by other fungi.
Origins of saprophyte
from Greek 'sapros' meaning 'rotten' and 'phyton' meaning 'plant'
Summary: saprophyte in Brief
'Saprophyte' [ˈsæprəfaɪt] refers to a plant, fungus, or microorganism that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter. Examples include mushrooms, bacteria, and fungi. Saprophytes are important in the ecosystem as they break down dead organic matter into nutrients that can be used by other organisms. The term also includes subcategories like 'obligate saprophyte,' which can only survive on dead organic matter, and 'facultative saprophyte,' which can switch between living and dead organic matter.
