Flora and fauna Meaning and Definition
Flora and Fauna
Pronunciation
/ˈflɔrə ˈfeɪnə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The plants, animals, and microorganisms that naturally exist in an ecosystem, together with their environments and the interactions between them.
Examples
- The national park is a sanctuary for its unique flora and fauna.
- The conservation efforts aim to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem’s flora and fauna.
Synonyms
- Wildlife
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity
Antonyms
- Domesticated
- Cultivated
Etymology
The term “flora and fauna” comes from Latin, with “flora” referring to plants and “fauna” referring to animals.
Usage Notes
When using the term in a sentence, it is often preceded by the word “native” to indicate the origin of the plants and animals, for example: “The park is home to native flora and fauna.”
Cultural References
The term has been referenced in various documentaries and nature shows, such as the BBC’s “Planet Earth” series, to describe the diverse range of plants and animals found in different ecosystems.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that specifically use the term “flora and fauna.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Ecology
- Environment
- Biodiversity
Collocations
- Flora and fauna of the forest
- Flora and fauna of the ocean
- Flora and fauna of the desert
Frequency of Use
The term “flora and fauna” is commonly used in scientific and educational contexts to describe the natural world, but its frequency of use has been increasing in recent years due to growing concerns about biodiversity and conservation.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the term include “flora and faunas,” “flora and fanus,” and “flora and fautua.”