indicator species
noun
See at indicator(def 6).
Words nearby indicator species
indicated horsepower, indication, indicative, indicator, indicator diagram, indicator species, indices, indicia, indicial, indicial equation, indicium
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Scientific definitions for indicator species
indicator species
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. Compare keystone species.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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