Troglobite

Troglobite

A troglobite is an animal that lives entirely in the dark parts of caves. Such creatures have become specifically adapted for life in total darkness and over time they have evolved to develop improved senses of smell, taste and vibration detection, while losing anatomical features that are superfluous without light, such as functioning eyes and pigmentation. Specific examples include the blind cave fish and cave crickets; there are numerous fish, shrimp, crayfish, and insects with this property. Troglobites are often endemic to a certain site, having adapted to its particular environment and food sources. True troglobites are eyeless; troglophiles may have some sight.Fact|date=May 2008

An aquatic troglobite is sometimes called a stygobite. [Northup, Diana and Tamara Montoya. Journey Into Caves. [http://www.caveslime.org/cavejourney/GlossaryTerms/Stygobite.html Definition of "Stygobite"] . Retrieved on 5 September, 2007.] Stygobites are synonymous with stygofauna.

ee also

* List of Troglobites

Notes

References

* [http://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Biology/Troglobites.html "Flora and Fauna of Caves: Troglobites" at Showcaves.com]
* Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition (1989)
*National Geographic magazine September 2007, "Cave Crawlers"


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