What Is Flora and Fauna? Name Origins & Varieties

Difference Between Flora and Fauna (with Comparison Chart and Similarities)

Flora is the term used for studying the plant’s life living in a particular area or region, whereas fauna refers to the study of animals life living in any geographical area. Secondly, all kinds of grasslands, trees, plants, comes under flora, on the contrary, all types of animals, birds, and insects fall under the category of fauna.

Although biota is the term used for complete forms of life like fungi, bacteria, etc. Flora and Fauna are scientific words, in general, we use the term plants and animals life. The ecosystem is the biological community, where the living beings interact with each other, whether it is a microorganism or big like the elephant or human beings. Flora and Fauna also contribute significant part in an ecosystem of the Earth. The interaction with each other is to fulfil their needs.

As Flora and Fauna are living organisms and falls under the eukaryotic category, they share specific common features too. Therefore, the differentiation and description between the terms will be on the ground of plants and animals and the similarities they have.

Content: Flora Vs Fauna

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison Flora Fauna Meaning Flora refers to the natural vegetation including plants, fungi, algae in a particular geographical region. Fauna refers to the animals life living in a particular geographical area or region. Field These are studied under the botany and the person who studies is known as Botanist. Fauna is studied under the field of zoology and the person who studies on these matters is known as Zoologist. Autotrophs/Heterotrophs

These are autotrophs, as they can prepare their own food with the help of sunlight. The living beings under this category are heterotrophs as they cannot prepare their own food and directly or indirectly depend on flora for the food. Development

These are said to be the first form of life appeared on earth, as per the chronological history of the planet. Their development is believed to be after the flora, as they depend on them for the food. Locomotion

Immovable.

Can move from one place to another. Cell wall

Present.

Absent. Chloroplast

Present (it is used for storing energy). Absent (they have mitochondria for storing energy). Examples

Grasslands, forest, flowering and non-flowering plants and trees. Birds, animals, fish, insects, etc.

Definition of Flora

The flora refers to the list of every type of plants, occurring in a specific area with the very detailed view of them. A flora may include scientific as well as common names, habitats, descriptions, geographical distributions, flowering times, favourable climate and other illustrations.

Flora, also includes the information about the plant’s reproduction time, family, chromosome numbers, etc. The written description on floras was started in 1600, by the botanists. This information was further used by the horticulturist to use floras and plant them accordingly, while physicians used this information to identify medicinal plants and make the medicine of their parts.

Plants are very essential resources on earth. As they serve as food material, medicines, and play the primary role in increasing the economy. Plants are helpful in causing rain, protect soil erosion and balance the ecosystem. These are the habitats of many animals especially birds. Till now there are approximately 400,000 species of the plants have been known, and it is believed that 10% is still to be discovered.

Though the word flora is a Latin word and is said to be derived from the Roman mythology goddess of flowers. Flora or plants have a huge variety and can be distinguished according to the region, climate, flowers and fruits, etc. But the easiest and simplest way to divide flora is on the basis of the region in which they grow, as the plants growing in the marshy area will be different from that plant growing in the desert or mountain area.

Native flora, horticultural flora and the weed flora are the subdivision of the flora. As the name says, Native flora is the native or endemic species growing in a particular area. Horticultural flora, are the plants grown by humans for their use and it is up to the area, climate and type of soil favourable for the species to grow. Lastly, Weed flora is the unwanted plants, grows with the desired plant, but as they are of no use and so removed by the humans.

As we know Asia is the largest continent of seven continents and holds the richest flora of the earth. It has approximately 100,000 different kinds of flora, growing in the different climate area. South America is also said as one of the most diverse continents because of the presence of the mountains and continents.

The classic examples of the flora are Giant redwood trees found in the north coast of California, Manchineel tree originates in North America and South America, Welwitschia Mirabilis and Nepenthes.

Definition of Fauna

The term fauna refers to the animals living in a particular area. Fauna is the word related to fawn, which means animals. Secondly, Fauna is also a Latin word and derived its name from the Roman goddess. Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus coined the term.

Fauna or commonly we can say animals, which depends on flora or plants for their food, hence they are called as heterotrophs. Though unlike plants they have the ability to move in search of food or in unfavourable conditions.

Likewise the flora, Fauna is also subdivided into few categories, on the basis of animals living in certain regions or areas. These subdivisions are Megafauna, Microfauna, Mesofauna, Avifauna, Piscifauna and Cryofauna.

Megafauna includes the largest animals, Microfauna includes the microorganisms and smallest animals, Mesofauna includes the invertebrates and organisms living in soil, Avifauna includes the bird’s species, Piscifauna is related to fish, Cryofauna is the animals that live near ice.

Few common examples of fauna are Eltham copper butterfly, Southern Toadlet, jellyfish, bears, wolves and Coral reef.

Key Differences Between Flora and Fauna Given below points will differentiate on flora and fauna: Flora refers to the natural vegetation including plants, fungi, algae in a particular geographical region, whereas Fauna refers to the animals life living in a particular geographical area or region. Flora is studied under the field of botany, and the person who studies this known as Botanist. On the other hand, fauna is studied under Zoology and the person who studies this subject is known as Zoologist. Green plants are categorised under flora and these a producer or autotrophs and can prepare their own food with the help of sunlight, while fauna is umbrella where the animals, insects, birds are been kept and these are the consumer and depend directly or indirectly on green plants. Flora is said to be the first form of life appeared on earth, as per the chronological history of the planet whereas fauna developed is believed to be after the flora, as they depend on them for the food. Flora is non-motile, whereas fauna is motile and can move from one place to another. Cell wall and chloroplast are present in the plant cell; these are absent in animal cell instead of the chloroplast, mitochondria is present, which is used for storing energy. Grasslands, forest, flowering and non-flowering plants and trees are the examples of flora. Birds, animals, fish, insects, etc. fall under the fauna.

Similarities

They breathe.

They reproduce.

Their body is made up of the cell.

They grow, respond to stimuli.

They exchange energy from the environment.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed flora and fauna, how they differ from each other and also their similarities. We came to know their importance even and the contribution to our ecosystem. Another fact is that due to the increasing population many species of flora, as well as fauna, has extinct, and many are about to extinct. So, it is necessary to conserve these to maintain the ecological balance.

Difference between Flora and Fauna

The term flora represents all plant life on the Earth and the term Fauna represents all animals that are living on the planet. Flora means “flower” in Latin, and Flora was the Roman goddess of spring and flowering plants, especially wildflowers and plants that are not grown for food consumption. The word “Flora” is used for a collective group of plant life found in a particular region.

Flora is classified and distinguished based on many factors. The best of them are the areas in which they grow or are discovered. Some grow in deserts and in water, some are found in hills, and some are endemic to a particular geographic location. There are also adaptations depending on where they grow. For example, cactus plants are found naturally in the desert. They have modified leaf and thorn-like adaptations to save water and protect themselves from predators. The Agricultural Flora is composed of plants grown for human use. Horticulture is the practice of growing ornamental plants and flowers, also known as garden plants or garden flora.

The fauna represents the life of an animal that is endemic to the region. There are many explanations for the origin of the word. In Roman mythology, fauna or “Faun” is the name of the goddess of fertility. Another source is “fauna” which means “forest spirit”. The animal kingdom contains a variety of animal life forms. Therefore, the classification of fauna is much more complicated than the classification of flora. Therefore, for ease of classification, birds are categorized under the name Avifauna. Fish under the Pisci fauna. Microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, are commonly assigned to the animal kingdom and are known as the microbiota. All unknown and undiscovered animals are called cryptofaunas. There are always reports of animals that are believed to be present but have escaped the scientific community, thereby classifying them as cryptofaunas or cryptoids.

Both Flora and Fauna conservation is necessary for future survival. Biosphere reserves, national parks, zoos, and sanctuaries are examples of government actions to protect flora and fauna. Another example is the Tiger Project launched by the Government of India to save the country’s tigers from extinction.

Difference between Flora and Fauna

The difference between flora and fauna is very obvious. Flora is understood to mean all organisms that can synthesize their own food and are almost immobile. And it basically includes all plants, trees, shrubs, and so on. And Fauna is the living beings that need to procure food from other sources and are generally classified as mobile organisms.

Flora Fauna All living plants are included in this category. All living animals are included in this category. The plants cannot move from one place to another. Animals are mobile by nature. The production of food is done on its own. Fauna depends on others for food. Climate affects flora. Fauna affects the climate. The study of plants is called “Botany”. The study of animals is called “Zoology”. They have a cell wall in them. Fauna lacks cell walls in them. Examples- Forests, grasslands, flowering plants, etc. Examples- Animals, birds, fish, etc.

Importance of Flora and Fauna

Following are some of the important points that explain the importance of flora and fauna:

Maintains Ecological Balance

Animals and plants are very important to human existence. The flora releases oxygen, which the fauna uses for respiratory activity. The fauna then releases carbon dioxide. The flora uses carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Animals and plants bring great benefits to humankind through healing and food provision. Animals maintain balance by preying on a variety of plants and animals to even out populations on Earth. Animal dung is a source of fertilizer. Dead animals rot and act as auxiliary minerals for other animals.

Expansion of Local Economies

Animals and plants contribute to the local economy through tourism. The flora and fauna of the Amazon forest attract tourists and scientists and contribute about $50 million to the Brazilian economy.

Aesthetic Value

The flora and fauna that spread on the earth contribute to the aesthetic value of the earth. People visit several biosphere reserves, national parks and zoos, forests, and botanical gardens and enjoy the beauty of the scenery. This explains the importance of flora and fauna in our daily lives.

Sample Questions on Difference between Flora and Fauna

Question 1: Write some prominent Flora and Fauna in India.

Answer:

India is one of the 12 mega-diverse countries in the world. According to the records of the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Government of India (2000), India is home to 47,000 species of plants and 81,000 species of animals, accounting for about 7% and 6.5% of the world’s flora and fauna, respectively. Indian flora and fauna include a wide variety of flora and fauna, most of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Prominent examples of flora include Juniper, Pine, Cedar, Polygala japonica, Assam Catkin Yew, and spiderwort. Examples of fauna found in India include the Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, snow leopards, Indian rhinoceros, and Indian sloths.

Question 2: What are the major threats to biodiversity?

Answer:

Extinction or elimination of a species is a natural process of evolution. During evolution, species have died out and have been replaced by others. But this process of extinction has accelerated in the recent years of human civilization. In this century, the human impact has been so severe that thousands of species and varieties are becoming extinct annually. Some of the major causes and issues related to the threats to biodiversity. Loss of Habitat: Destruction and loss of natural habitat is the single largest cause of biodiversity loss. Billions of hectares of forests and grasslands have been cleared over the past 10000 years for conversion into agricultural lands, pastures, settlement areas, or development projects. These natural forests and grasslands were the natural homes of thousands of species that perished due to the loss of their natural habitat.

Destruction and loss of natural habitat is the single largest cause of biodiversity loss. Billions of hectares of forests and grasslands have been cleared over the past 10000 years for conversion into agricultural lands, pastures, settlement areas, or development projects. These natural forests and grasslands were the natural homes of thousands of species that perished due to the loss of their natural habitat. Poaching: Illegal trade of wildlife products by killing prohibited endangered animals poaching is another threat to wildlife.

Question 3: Which species have become endangered in India?

Answer:

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUNC) publishes the Red Data Book which includes a list of endangered species of plants and animals. In India, nearly 450 plant species have been identified in the categories of endangered, threatened, or rare. The existence of about 150 mammals and 150 species of birds is estimated to be threatened while an unknown number of species of insects are endangered. The latest Red list of 2012 has come out at the Rio+20 Earth Summit in July 2012. It has enlisted 132 species of plants and animals, which are critically endangered in India. A few species of endangered reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants are given below : Reptiles: Gharial, green sea turtle, tortoise, python

Gharial, green sea turtle, tortoise, python Birds: great Indian bustard, Peacock, Pelican, Great Indian Hornbill, Siberian, White Crane

great Indian bustard, Peacock, Pelican, Great Indian Hornbill, Siberian, White Crane Carnivorous Mammals: Indian wolf, red fox, sloth bear, red panda, tiger, leopard, striped hyena, Indian lion, golden cat, desert cat, dugong

Indian wolf, red fox, sloth bear, red panda, tiger, leopard, striped hyena, Indian lion, golden cat, desert cat, dugong Primates: Hoolock gibbon, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, capped monkey, golden monkey

Hoolock gibbon, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, capped monkey, golden monkey Plants: A large number of species of orchids, rhododendrons, medicinal plants like Rauvolfia serpentine, the sandalwood tree Santalum, Cycas beddonei, and pitcher plant.

What Is Flora and Fauna? Name Origins & Varieties

Flora and fauna refer to plant and wildlife, respectively. The term is often used to refer to the indigenous plant and wildlife of a geographical region. Both are collective terms, referring to groups of plant or wildlife specific to a region or a time period. For example, the flora and fauna of a warm region may consist of tropical to warm-temperate vegetation and exotic species of birds.

By definition, flora is a word of Latin origin referring to Flora, the goddess of flowers. The term can refer to a group of plants or to bacteria. Flora is the root of the word floral, which means pertaining to flowers. Fauna can refer to the animal life or classification of animals of a certain region, time period, or environment. The term is also of Latin origin, and in Roman mythology, Fauna was the sister of Faunus, a good spirit of the forest and plains.

The flora and fauna of any given region are usually explained in biological terms to include the genus and species of plant and animal life, their preferred growing or breeding habits, and their connection to one another in the environment as well. In addition to geographical groupings, environment also helps further their classification. For example, aquatic flora and fauna of a region refers to the plant and animal life found in the waters in or surrounding a geographic region.

Biologists and environmentalists study the plants and animals of a region for a number of reasons. Preservation and conservation are main reasons why they are important to researchers, as their ability to teach scientists new things about biology. Several organizations, including Fauna and Flora International (FFI), work together to use their research and findings to further policy on conservation and preservation as well as biodiversity.

What’s in a Name: Flora and Fauna

Both flora and fauna are words that have roots in Latin. Flora comes from earlier Latin root words for flower, flor or flos. Flora later refers to the goddess of flowers in Latin. Fauna is also a later Latin translation, coming from the name of a goddess; the sister of Faunus is Fauna, the rural goddess. When you talk about the flora and the fauna of a place, you are talking about the plants and animals that live there.

The flora and fauna of an area aren’t just discussed in blanket old Latin terms, however. Scientists break their classifications down even further into genus and species. They record details about their wildlife by studying their reproductive habits, diets, young rearing, and relationships in the wild. Plantlife is very similar. Scientists record their reproductive methods, native regions, hardiness zones, and potential threats to growing environments.

In earlier times, scientists used the term flora to describe the handbooks and manuals they used to record a region's wildlife and plant life.

Flora

Remember that flora refers to the plant life of a region. Each region has a bounty of plant life. As a result, scientists divided flora into subsections to make classification easier and more accessible. The three unique classifications are native flora, horticultural flora, and weed flora.

Native Flora

Native flora is the vegetation or plantlife in a region that is indigenous to that area. Native plants grow better with less manipulation than plants that have been brought from elsewhere or translated because the conditions are suitable for their cultivation. Watering responsibilities are less frequent, as is the need for fertilizer as the necessary nutrients are found in the native soil.

Horticultural Flora

Horticultural flora refers to plants that are cultivated explicitly by humans for consumption or production. Horticultural flora can be agricultural plants or horticultural cultivars used for landscaping. Some examples of horticultural flora are:

Ornamental trees, flowers, and grasses

Vegetables

Fruits

Flowers

Lawn grasses

Wheat

Rice

Weed Flora

Initially, weed flora used to refer to plants that human beings found to be unpleasant and removed from the region in which they lived. The term “weeding” is synonymous with weed flora cultivars. However, as ecosystems become more and more advanced and the knowledge of flora deepened, even the most staunch weeders realize that there are no band plants or “weeds,” just dangerous invasive species.

Invasive Species: Flora or Fauna

Invasive species can come in the form of both flora and fauna. Invasive species refer to plant or animal life that is non-native to the ecosystem of a particular area. Why does this identification matter? The presence of non-native species often causes harm to the health of a site. Invasive species take the resources for themselves, interrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, and harm others in the process. Humans can be invasive species, too.

Invasive species are spread by people, accidents, and the natural movement of plants and animals. Invasive species must be returned to their primary origin or destroyed to maintain the health of an ecosystem. If not, there is a real danger of extinction, destruction, and forever changed habitats.

Fauna

Fauna refers to all of the wildlife in a particular region. Often scientists refer to the past and present fauna of an area when referring to nature. Fauna requires a similar subcategory system to classify wildlife in a specific place at a particular time in history. There are many subcategories of fauna, though the most common are as follows.

Megafauna

Megafauna refers to the animals or wildlife that is so big they can be seen with the naked eye from quite a far distance away. An example of megafauna from this period would be an elephant. An example of megafauna from the past would be a ground sloth.

Macrofauna

An interestingly specific category of macrofauna is smaller than an earthworm but one centimeter or more long. An example of macrofauna is a snail.

Microfauna

Microfauna is microscopic animals that cannot be seen with the naked eye. You guessed it; you need a microscope to see these teeny weeny creatures native to a specific area. An example of living microfauna is rotifers that live in water bacteria.

Infauna

Infauna is the animals that live in the sediment layers of bodies of water. Clams are an example of a notable infauna.

Cryofauna

Cryofauna can live in subzero temperatures or on ice without being harmed or disrupting homeostasis. Some examples of cryofauna are seals, penguins, and orcas.