guano

Everyday

1. Guano is the droppings of seabirds or bats, which pile up in huge amounts on rocks and in caves. tree →
2. Guano is used as a strong fertiliser to help plants grow because it is full of nitrogen and phosphorus. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and history lessons it explains why some islands near Peru were once very valuable; in science lessons it shows how nutrients cycle in nature. Phrases: «bat guano», «bird guano», «guano islands».

Examples

• Guano is bird or bat poo. tree →
• The rocks were white with seabird guano. tree →
• Farmers used guano to help crops grow. tree →
• The bat cave floor was covered in guano. tree →
• Islands near Peru were mined for guano long ago. tree →
• Guano is full of nutrients for plants. tree →
• Wear a mask in bat caves because guano dust can make you ill. tree →
• Penguins make burrows in old guano. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Say «GWAH-no». The word comes from Spanish, which took it from the Quechua language of Peru. Safety: guano dust can carry germs, so do not touch or breathe it.