Definition
oligophagy
noun
- the practice or condition of feeding on a limited variety of food sources; the dietary habit of consuming only a few types of food.
Usage: biology; ecology; technical
Examples
- The koala's oligophagy—its reliance almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves—makes it vulnerable to habitat loss.
- Many insect species exhibit oligophagy, feeding on only one or two plant species.
- The panda's oligophagy limits its survival options in the wild.
- Oligophagy in certain caterpillars means they can only develop on specific host plants.
- Scientists study oligophagy to understand how specialized feeding habits affect species conservation.