A genetically distinct population of a species that has adapted to thrive in a specific local environment or habitat.
From 'eco-' (environment) and 'type' (kind). Swedish ecologist Göte Turesson coined this term in 1923 to describe populations adapted to local conditions while remaining the same species.
Dandelions living on a high mountain are a different ecotype than dandelions in a valley—same species, but the mountain ones are shorter and tougher because that's what their environment selected for over generations.
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