Calcivorous

/kælˈsɪvərəs/ adjective

Definition

Feeding on or consuming calcium-rich materials; describing organisms that eat limestone, chalk, or other calcium compounds.

Etymology

From Latin 'calx' (lime, calcium) + '-vorous' (eating, from 'vorare,' to devour). A scientific term combining the Latin word for calcium with the feeding suffix.

Kelly Says

Some snails and marine creatures are calcivorous—they literally eat shells and rocks for the calcium they need to build their own shells, which is nature's ultimate recycling program!

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