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Glite Dictionary
oligotrophic

oligotrophic

9.9
A place with very little food for plants or animals
  • adjective
  • /ˌoʊlɪˈɡoʊtrəfɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : oligotrófico
  • Adaptations to acidic, nutrient-deficient soils are required for species to grow in the highly oligotrophic heath forests, which are particularly extensive in the coastal regions of Borneo.
  • oligotrophic waters

Examples

  • Primary productivity in Lake Bonney is usually below 1 ig/L·d, categorizing it as extremely oligotrophic.

    Academic text (1999)

  • And I would add that anomalies as high as seen are pretty unusual for the open, normally oligotrophic ocean.

    Blog text (6)

  • Studies have shown that in more oligotrophic marine waters, aquaculture effluents increase local biodiversity.

    Academic text (2009)

  • For example, artificial nutrient enrichment of a naturally oligotrophic ecosystem may increase local species diversity yet eliminate a unique community.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The bogs are deficient in nutrients (oligotrophic) because of the lack of mineral input, and the leaching of organic compounds causes the water to become extremely acidic (pH 4 or less).

    Academic text (2011)

  • Struebig ML, Galdikas BMF, Suatma. 2006. Bat diversity in oligotrophic forests of southern Borneo. Oryx 40: 447-455.

    Academic text (2011)

  • The clear waters of the oligotrophic lake are home to few fish and plants, making it a unique environment.

  • These oligotrophic forests, with their nutrient-poor soils, support specialized plant species adapted to harsh conditions.

  • Due to its oligotrophic nature, the river has a low density of aquatic life compared to more nutrient-rich ecosystems.

Antonyms

eutrophic
  • Specialized
9.9

Full of nutrients that cause a lot of algae and low oxygen in a lake or pond

How Nutrient-Rich

eutrophic
  • Specialized
9.9
oligotrophic
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

oligotrophic positive

Morphology

oligotrophic = trophic (opaque) = oligo + troph + ic

Built from scientific combining forms ('oligo-' + 'trophic'); these are not productive or familiar to an average B1 learner, so the meaning is not reliably derivable.

Etymology

The word oligotrophic comes from Greek parts oligo- meaning 'few' and -trophic from trophē meaning 'food', the same idea behind nutrition. So an oligotrophic lake or soil has 'few nutrients' and supports very little plant or animal life.