phenology

[ fi-nol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the science dealing with the influence of climate on the recurrence of such annual phenomena of animal and plant life as budding and bird migrations.

phenology

/ fɪˈnɒlədʒɪ; ˌfiːnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of recurring phenomena, such as animal migration, esp as influenced by climatic conditions

phenology

/ fĭ-nŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of cyclical biological events, such as flowering, breeding, and migration, in relation to climatic conditions. Phenological records of the dates on which seasonal phenomena occur provide important information on how climate change affects ecosystems over time.

Derived Forms

• pheˈnologist, noun
• phenological, adjective

Other Words From

• phe·no·log·i·cal [feen-l-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• pheno·logi·cal·ly adverb
• phe·nolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenology¹

First recorded in 1880–85; contracted variant of phenomenology, with restriction to climatic phenomena

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenology¹

C19: from pheno ( menon ) + -logy

Example Sentences

"The unchanging ice phenology of Yellowstone Lake stands in stark contrast to similar lakes in the Northern Hemisphere."

From Science Daily

These changes could alter the migration pattern of bats and the phenology of their seasonal displacements.

From Science Daily

The phenomenon in which normally green leaves transition into shades of red, orange, yellow and eventually brown is known officially as "leaf phenology," which some people eagerly anticipate each year.

From Salon

"Understanding the links between phenology and demographic processes is critical to predicting the future response of species to ongoing climatic change," the study authors write.

From Salon

The study of the way species time their behavior with Earth’s cycles is called phenology.

From Scientific American