endemism
Quick Summary
Endemism in biology refers to species or other taxa that are confined to a single geographic region. This means they are found nowhere else in the world, even if their range is very small, like a single lake, or as large as a continent. Endemic species often develop specialized adaptations for their unique habitats, which can make them vulnerable to environmental changes and extinction.12
There are two main categories:
* Paleoendemic species (relict species) were once widespread but are now found in a much smaller area due to factors like habitat loss or climate change.1
* Neoendemic species are newly evolved and have not yet spread beyond their region of origin, often due to reproductive isolation.12
It's important to distinguish endemics from native species, which may be found in surrounding areas as well. Endemism is a key concept in defining biogeographic regions, as areas with a high proportion of endemic species are often centers of extinction when habitats are lost.123
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conservationEndemism and rarityAs previously discussed, a small geographic range makes a species particularly vulnerable to global extinction. Many of the threats to species are geographically restricted, so species with large ranges will survive somewhere even if they are locally extirpated. Species with small rangesā¦
Read MoreAs previously discussed, a small geographic range makes a species particularly vulnerable to global extinction. Many of the threats to species are geographically restricted, so species with large ranges will survive somewhere even if they are locally extirpated. Species with small rangesā¦
Read More- conservationInsularity
ā¦of two factors previously discussedātheir endemism and rarity and their ecological naivete, the latter being exemplified by the greater effect of domestic cat introductions on unwary island bird species than on more āstreetwiseā mainland species. Nevertheless, some island bird species are less likely to be threatened than similar bird speciesā¦
Read Moreā¦of two factors previously discussedātheir endemism and rarity and their ecological naivete, the latter being exemplified by the greater effect of domestic cat introductions on unwary island bird species than on more āstreetwiseā mainland species. Nevertheless, some island bird species are less likely to be threatened than similar bird speciesā¦
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