Endemism

Definition

Endemism is the ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, or habitat type. Species that are endemic are not naturally found anywhere else in the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Endemic species are highly vulnerable to extinction due to their limited range and specialized habitat requirements.
2. Islands and isolated ecosystems often have high levels of endemism due to geographic isolation.
3. Human activities such as habitat destruction and climate change pose significant threats to endemic species.
4. Conservation efforts often prioritize areas with high endemism to preserve unique biodiversity.
5. The rate of endemism can be an indicator of the evolutionary history and ecological uniqueness of a region.

Review Questions

• Why are endemic species more vulnerable to extinction?
• How does geographic isolation contribute to high levels of endemism?
• What is one reason conservationists might focus on regions with high endemism?

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity

Habitat Fragmentation: The process by which large continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated sections

Conservation Biology: A scientific discipline focused on understanding and mitigating the loss of biodiversity