Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
autoecious

autoecious

9.9
A parasite that completes its whole life cycle on one host species
  • adjective
  • /ˌɔːtoʊˈiːʃəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : autoecioso
  • The autoecious nature of this rust fungus means it does not need an alternate host to reproduce.

Examples

  • The autoecious rust fungus thrives on a single plant species.

  • Some autoecious fungi can severely damage their host plants during every stage of their life cycle.

  • Researchers studied several autoecious species to understand how host specificity affects parasite evolution.

  • Many autoecious parasites have adapted to their specific hosts.

  • Researchers studied several autoecious fungi to learn how they complete their life cycles on a single host species.

  • The autoecious rust fungus relies entirely on one plant species to thrive and reproduce.

  • Understanding the biology of autoecious parasites can help scientists develop targeted strategies for crop protection.

Synonyms

monoxenous
vsautoecious
  • Specialized
9.9

A parasite that lives and reproduces in only one host species

is used especially for rust fungi rather than general parasites
homoecious
vsautoecious
  • UK
9.9

A parasite that lives its whole life on one animal or plant

clarifies that the single host is a particular species

Antonyms

heteroecious
  • Specialized
9.9

A parasite that lives on animals or plants at different life stages

Surface Forms

autoecious positive

Morphology

autoecious = ecious (opaque) = auto + ecious

The prefix auto- is recognizable, but the biological combining form -ecious is specialized and not predictable enough for an average learner to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Autoecious comes from Greek parts auto- meaning 'self' and oikos meaning 'house' or 'home'. So an autoecious parasite spends its whole life on one 'home', meaning one host species, and does not need another host to finish its life cycle.