biota

noun

bi·​o·​ta bī-ˈō-tə How to pronounce biota (audio)
: the flora and fauna of a region see also microbiota

Examples of biota in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Maya practice of lining their reservoirs would have stabilized pH levels, particularly if the Maya also added soil or exploited naturally occurring sediment to ensure water lilies and other beneficial biota could thrive. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Oct. 2023 Leaf mold used to top dress an area of a garden can improve the soil below as it is worked in by the agency of earthworms and other soil biota. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 7 Sep. 2023 In turn, dissolved PAHs, nicotine, BTEX and heavy metals can accumulate in the tissue of aquatic biota. Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 4 May 2023 Collectively, these multicellular middle-man organisms are known as the Edicaran biota. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2023 These ancient fossils, called Ediacara biota, are now protected as part of the new Nilpena Ediacara National Park, which opened to the public for the first time on Thursday, April 27. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2023 In particular, our species—a very minor player amid the planet’s biota even a few thousand years ago—is now the dominant predator on land and sea. Jan Zalasiewicz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2016 Some of the oldest life on Earth is referred to as the Ediacaran biota. Toyin Owoseje, CNN, 25 Nov. 2022 Therefore, an unbeatable strategy should emerge in this medium perfectly tailored to the environmental constants, resulting in a homogeneous biota to match. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biota.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek biotē life; akin to Greek bios

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biota was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near biota

Cite this Entry

“Biota.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biota. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

biota

noun
bi·​o·​ta bī-ˈōt-ə How to pronounce biota (audio)
: the plants and animals of a region
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