METADROMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Metadromous is an adjective used in biology to describe a particular migratory behavior displayed by certain species of fish. Derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning beyond or change, and "dromous" meaning running, this term refers to the ability of these fish to undertake migrations that span both freshwater and saltwater environments during different stages of their life cycle.
Metadromous species typically exhibit a pattern of migration where they move from freshwater habitats, such as rivers or lakes, to marine or brackish water environments, and vice versa. This migration generally occurs for specific purposes, such as reproduction, foraging, or avoiding unfavorable environmental conditions. These fish are adapted to tolerate the different salinity levels and other challenges associated with transitioning between these two distinct habitats.
Salmon and eels are classic examples of metadromous species. Salmon, for instance, hatch from eggs in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow and mature, and then return to their natal freshwater rivers to spawn. Eels, on the other hand, hatch in the ocean and then migrate to freshwater rivers and lakes to grow and mature, before returning to the ocean to reproduce.
Overall, metadromous species exhibit an adaptive migration strategy that allows them to utilize multiple habitats throughout their life cycle, ensuring their survival and reproductive success.
Common Misspellings for METADROMOUS
- netadromous
- ketadromous
- jetadromous
- mwtadromous
- mstadromous
- mdtadromous
- mrtadromous
- m4tadromous
- m3tadromous
- meradromous
- mefadromous
- megadromous
- meyadromous
- me6adromous
- me5adromous
- metzdromous
- metsdromous
- metwdromous
- metqdromous
- metasromous
Etymology of METADROMOUS
The word "metadromous" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "meta" and "dromos".
The prefix "meta" in Greek means "change" or "beyond". This prefix is commonly used in the English language to denote a change or transformation.
The root "dromos" in Greek means "running" or "course". It is derived from the verb "dramein", which means "to run" or "to go".
Therefore, "metadromous" essentially means "beyond running" or "beyond a course". In the context of biology, it refers to certain fish species that migrate between rivers and seas during their lifecycle.
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