Cave-dwelling

Cave-dwelling refers to the practice or state of living in caves, either permanently or temporarily. This lifestyle has been adopted by humans and various animal species throughout history and prehistory, often for shelter, protection from the elements and predators, and sometimes for ritualistic or symbolic purposes. cave-dwelling can also be used in a figurative sense to describe the isolation or secluded existence of someone or something.

Cave-dwelling meaning with examples

• Prehistoric humans practiced cave-dwelling, utilizing caverns for habitation and leaving behind remarkable cave paintings showcasing their lives and beliefs. The protection offered by the caves against harsh weather and dangerous animals was paramount to survival.
• Bats exhibit cave-dwelling behavior, roosting in large numbers within dark and humid cave environments, where they remain relatively safe from terrestrial predators and enjoy consistent temperatures throughout the year.
• Archaeological discoveries continually reveal evidence of early human cave-dwelling, suggesting complex social structures and advanced toolmaking within these sheltered environments.
• The hermit, choosing a life of isolation, adopted a form of metaphorical cave-dwelling, retreating from society and immersing himself in solitude within the mountainside.
• Certain species of spiders are known to be cave-dwelling organisms, having adapted to thrive in the dark, nutrient-poor conditions found in caves, often with unique physical characteristics.