One-species

Describing a situation, environment, or ecosystem where only a single species of a particular organism exists or dominates. This often arises due to factors like highly specialized adaptations, introduced species that outcompete others, or controlled environments. The term emphasizes a lack of biodiversity and can have implications for ecosystem stability and resilience. While technically describing a singular instance of one species' prevalence, the implication frequently suggests the exclusion or rarity of all other species within a given context, potentially leading to reduced ecological complexity and vulnerability.

One-species meaning with examples

• The vast monoculture of pine trees created a one-species forest. Its lack of diverse plant life meant fewer resources for insects, birds, and other animals.
• The island's ecosystem had become almost one-species, after invasive rats wiped out the native birds. The remaining rodents are the dominant life-form.
• A laboratory petri dish, used for a bacteria, might be kept as one-species with all other potential bacteria's kept from entering.
• The contaminated lake contained mainly one-species of algae which reduced oxygen, threatening all other aquatic life.
• Farmers sometimes encourage one-species pastures of highly productive grass varieties which minimizes plant diversity.