Relict

Relict is a term used in various scientific disciplines to refer to an organism, species, or geological feature that has survived while others have become extinct. The term is derived from the Latin word relictus, meaning "left behind".

Biology

In biology, a relict (or relict species) is an organism that at an earlier time was abundant in a large area but now occurs at only one or a few small areas. This can occur due to changes in the environment, such as climate change, or due to competition from other species. Examples of relict species include the Wollemi Pine and the Coelacanth, both of which were thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in small, isolated populations.

Geology

In geology, a relict is a geological feature that has survived from an earlier period. This can include landforms, rock formations, or other physical features that have remained largely unchanged while the surrounding landscape has been altered by processes such as erosion or plate tectonics. Examples of geological relicts include monadnocks and inselbergs, which are isolated hills or mountains that have resisted erosion while the surrounding landscape has been worn away.

Sociology

In sociology, a relict is a term used to refer to a widow or widower. The term is derived from the Latin word relictus, meaning "left behind". This usage is now considered archaic and is not commonly used in modern English.

See also

• Living fossil
• Lazarus taxon
• Ghost lineage