Deteriorator

/dɪˈtɪəriəreɪtər/ noun

Definition

A person or thing that causes deterioration; something that makes conditions worse or leads to decline.

Etymology

From Latin deteriorator (one who makes worse), from deteriorate + -or (agent suffix), derived from deteriorare.

Kelly Says

In ecology, deteriorators are identified as keystone species or human activities that trigger ecosystem collapse—understanding what deteriorators are is crucial to conservation because removing them can reverse decline.

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