Non-marsh-dwelling

Describing an organism or species that does not habitually reside in or inhabit marsh environments. This term indicates a preference for habitats that are not characterized by poorly drained, frequently flooded areas dominated by herbaceous plants, such as sedges, reeds, and rushes. The descriptor suggests an adaptation to drier or different ecological niches, avoiding the specific challenges associated with marsh conditions like fluctuating water levels, high salinity, and specialized plant communities. The term is primarily used in ecological and biological contexts to differentiate species based on their habitat preferences.

Non-marsh-dwelling meaning with examples

• The mountain lion, a non-marsh-dwelling predator, hunts in rocky terrain and forests, its behavior and physical characteristics are well suited for a drier, more elevated habitat. Unlike species reliant on the abundant resources found in marshes, its survival is tied to open hunting grounds, providing cover for prey and a less saturated environment.
• Researchers studying the spread of the meadow vole were surprised to discover its presence in a region where there were only a few small marsh areas. Further research confirmed the unexpected finding that the vole population lived in the surrounding hills; this non-marsh-dwelling behavior expanded its survival.
• The analysis of the fossil record indicated that certain dinosaur species, known to be non-marsh-dwelling, preferred regions far from the extensive, swamp-like conditions that prevailed at that time. Their skeletal structure suggests movement on solid ground, supporting a habitat different from those found near water.
• While many amphibian species thrive in marsh environments, the spadefoot toad is an example of a non-marsh-dwelling amphibian that prefers sandy and dry habitats. They spend most of their lives underground, emerging only to breed in temporary pools of rainwater, avoiding the permanently flooded nature of marshes.
• The study of bird migration patterns distinguished the migratory patterns of the sandpiper from those of the raptor; they also compared the habitat choices of the non-marsh-dwelling falcon that nests on cliffs and high trees versus the sandpiper. These distinctions are important to understand habitat and food chain needs.