macrofauna
Big visible creatures
Macrofauna refers to animals large enough to be seen with the naked eye, typically those bigger than about one millimeter.
The term is used especially in ecology and soil science to distinguish larger organisms from microscopic ones.
Soil macrofauna includes earthworms, beetles, ants, and other invertebrates that play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
In marine contexts, macrofauna describes bottom-dwelling creatures visible without magnification.
Gilled aquatic vertebrate
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
- mollusksSoft-bodied invertebrates, often shelled
- coralMarine skeletal formation
- anemonesFlowers or marine polyps
octopus · sharks · dolphins · whales · sea-turtles · manatees · rays · seahorses
Hair-bearing, milk-producing animals
- reptilesCold-blooded scaly vertebrates
- amphibiansVertebrates with aquatic larvae
- vertebratesAnimals with internal skeletons
- invertebratesAnimals without vertebral columns
earthworms · beetles · termites · ants · spiders · millipedes · centipedes · snails
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- decomposersOrganisms breaking down dead material
- detritivoresCreatures consuming dead material
- pollinationFlower reproductive transfer
- predator-preyEcological consumption relationship
Geographic species restriction
- biotaRegional living organisms
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
- rewildingRestoring natural ecosystems
fish
Gilled aquatic vertebrate
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
- mollusksSoft-bodied invertebrates, often shelled
- coralMarine skeletal formation
anemones · octopus · sharks · dolphins · whales · sea-turtles · manatees · rays · seahorses · starfish
mammals
Hair-bearing, milk-producing animals
- reptilesCold-blooded scaly vertebrates
- amphibiansVertebrates with aquatic larvae
- vertebratesAnimals with internal skeletons
invertebrates · earthworms · beetles · termites · ants · spiders · millipedes · centipedes · snails · slugs
ecosystem
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- decomposersOrganisms breaking down dead material
- detritivoresCreatures consuming dead material
- pollinationFlower reproductive transfer
endemism
Geographic species restriction
- biotaRegional living organisms
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
rewilding · endangered · vulnerable · monitoring · surveys
elephants
Tusked, trunk-bearing mammals
- giraffesLong-necked African ruminants
- whalesMassive marine mammals
- rhinocerosesLarge horned mammals
hippopotamuses · buffalo · bears · moose · tigers · lions · gorillas · leopards · jaguars · crocodiles
macrofaunamicrofauna
Minute soil animals
microorganisms · microbes · bacteria · protozoa · microbiota
fauna, macrocosm, macro, megafauna, faunal, macromolecule, microfauna, macronutrient, macrostructure