Definition

This word describes an organism that eats only one type of food, whether it be a specific plant or animal.

Example

The monophagous caterpillar only feeds on one type of plant throughout its life.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are monophagous?

Really? That means they only eat one type of food, right?

Exactly! Like how certain insects only feed on specific plants.

That's interesting! I wonder how they survive if their food source is limited.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Monophagous → It is formed from "mono-" (from Greek "monos", meaning single or alone) and "phagous" (from Greek "phagein", meaning to eat). The word "monophagous" describes an organism that eats only one type of food.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning single and 'phagous' meaning to eat — this helps you remember that monophagous refers to eating only one kind of food.

Visually Confused Words