Autecologist

/ˌɔːtɪˈkɑːlədʒɪst/ noun

Definition

A scientist who studies how a single species lives and interacts with its environment, rather than studying whole ecosystems.

Etymology

From 'autecology' (the study of individual species in their environments) plus -ist meaning 'one who practices.' The prefix auto- means 'self' or 'individual.'

Kelly Says

An autecologist might spend years studying just squirrels—how they store nuts, when they breed, which trees they prefer—it's like being a species detective!

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