microfauna

[ mahy-kroh-faw-nuh ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

, plural mi·cro·fau·nas, mi·cro·fau·nae [mahy-kroh-, faw, -nee].

1. Biology. microscopic animals.
2. Ecology. the fauna of a microhabitat.

Other Words From

• micro·faunal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microfauna¹

First recorded in 1900–05; micro- + fauna

Example Sentences

Hidden by their size and habits, salamanders — those charismatic microfauna integral to ecological functions — are equally worthy of consideration.

From Seattle Times

And while other broods are still present on the island, the nationwide wave of insect interest spurred by this one in particular “really brings attention to our charismatic microfauna,” said Dr. Gangloff-Kaufmann.

From New York Times

Cataloguing should include all the viruses in human tissues; those in the bacteria, protists, fungi and worms that inhabit human bodies; those in our close associates — pets, pests and farm animals; and the viruses in the microfauna that inhabit these animals.

From Nature

My research focuses on marine zooplankton, which I think of as “charismatic microfauna.”

From Salon

Such findings raise the possibility that scientists might be able to create a “package” of charcoal, nutrients, and microfauna that could be used to transform bad tropical soil into terra preta.

From Literature