biota

[bahy-oh-tuh]

noun (used with a singular or plural verb) Ecology.

the animals, plants, fungi, etc., of a region or period.

Nearby words

Origin of biota

1900–05; < New Latin, from Greek biotḗ “life”

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for biota

As a prey item, the prairie vole proved to be an important part of the biota of the Reservation.
A Population Study of the Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) in Northeastern Kansas|Edwin P. Martin
The Biota Elegantissima is one of the most unique hardy shrubs cultivated, and presents a bright golden appearance.
Gardening for the Million|Alfred Pink
Another species of arbor vitae is Thuja orientalis, known also as Biota orientalis.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 4|Various
The obvious differences in the biota on the two sides of the range are probably due to the contrasting climates.
Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California|Terry A. Vaughan

On Barro Colorado Island one aim is to preserve the biota and natural conditions with as little interference from man as possible.
Seventeen Species of Bats Recorded from Barro Colorado Island, Panama Canal Zone|E. Raymond Hall

British Dictionary definitions for biota

biota

noun

the plant and animal life of a particular region or period

Word Origin for biota

C20: from New Latin, from Greek biotē way of life, from bios life

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for biota