indicator species
Americannoun
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A species whose presence, absence, or relative well-being in a given environment is a sign of the overall health of its ecosystem. By monitoring the condition and behavior of an indicator species, scientists can determine how changes in the environment are likely to affect other species that are more difficult to study.
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Compare keystone species
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Surveys of butterflies are important for conservation because they are known as indicator species, meaning rises and falls in their populations can predict the health of the wider ecosystem.
From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2025
Polar bears are what is known as an indicator species, meaning they predict the health and viability of the broader Arctic ecosystem.
From New York Times ● Jun. 13, 2024
“The science shows that if you have roughly 70% natives, you’re going to be able to support a healthy bird population, and they’re the key indicator species for environmental health,” she said.
From Seattle Times ● May 28, 2024
Often referred to as an "indicator species", they can help scientists understand the health of marine ecosystems due to their sensitivity to the impacts of climate change and human pressures.
From BBC ● Feb. 29, 2024
In future, exploration teams could build up a database of indicator species and test an unknown site to find out if kimberlite deposits are buried beneath the soil.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
