Asynanthrope (from ancient Greek σύν sýn "together, with" and ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos "man") is an organism that lives near and benefits from humans and their environmental modifications (see also anthropophilia for animals who live close to humans as parasites). The term synanthrope includes many species regarded as pests or weeds, but does not include domesticated animals.[1] Common synanthrope habitats include houses, gardens, farms, parks, roadsides and rubbish dumps.
Examples of synanthropes are various insect species (ants, lice, bedbugs, silverfish, cockroaches, etc.), some spiders, house sparrows, rock doves (pigeons), crows, various rodent species, Virginia opossums, raccoons,[2] certain monkey species, coyotes,[3][4] deer, passerines, and other urban wildlife.[1][5][6]
The brown rat is counted as one of the most prominent synanthropic animals and can be found in almost every place there are people.[7][8]
Synanthropic plants include pineapple weed, dandelion, chicory, and plantain. Plant synanthropes are classified into two main types - apophytes and anthropophytes.
Apophytes are synanthropic species that are native in origin. They can be subdivided into the following:[9]
Anthropophytes are synanthropic species of foreign origin, whether introduced voluntarily or involuntarily. They can be subdivided into the following:
