Cleptobioses

/ˌklɛptoʊbaɪˈoʊsiːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cleptobiosis; instances of parasitic theft of nutrients or other resources in nature.

Etymology

From Greek kleptein (to steal) + biosis (mode of life). A scientific term combining Greek roots to describe the biological phenomenon where organisms live by stealing resources from others.

Kelly Says

Cleptobiosis is nature's black market—some organisms literally make their living stealing nutrients from other organisms, and scientists gave this whole lifestyle its own fancy name.

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