Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

free-living

Adjective

/ˈfriː ˈlɪvɪŋ/

Definition

Denoting organisms that live independently and are not reliant on a host for survival.

Examples

Free-living bacteria play a crucial role in soil health.
Some marine animals are considered free-living, as they thrive in open waters without attachment to a substrate.
The free-living lifestyle of certain frogs allows them to adapt to various environments.

Meaning

Free-living refers to organisms that are not parasitic and can sustain themselves without depending on another organism for nourishment or habitat. This term is frequently used in biological and ecological contexts to describe species that exist freely in their environment.