Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ecomorph
noun
/ˈiː.kəʊ.mɔːrf/
Definition
A type of organism or species that has adapted to a particular ecological niche, often with morphological characteristics that suit it for survival in that specific environment.
Examples
- Researchers identified several ecomorphs of lizards that thrive in different forest types.
- The concept of ecomorph helps explain why the same species can exhibit different traits in varied environments.
Meaning
The term ‘ecomorph’ combines ‘eco,’ referring to the environment, and ‘morph,’ referring to form or structure. It highlights how an organism’s physical traits evolve in response to its habitat.
Synonyms
- Ecotype
- Morph
- Habitat variant
