Endemic

Pronunciation: /en-DEM-ik/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Endemic

Plural: Endemics

Definition

Refers to species that are native to and restricted to a specific geographical area.

Etymology

From Greek 'endēmos', meaning 'native' or 'dwelling in a place', derived from 'en-' meaning 'in' and 'dēmos' meaning 'people' or 'district'.

Example

The Catalina Orangetip butterfly is endemic to Santa Catalina Island in California.

Synonyms

Native
Indigenous

Related Terms

Biogeography
Habitat
Range
Species distribution

Usage Notes

Endemic species are often vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities because their limited distribution can make it difficult for them to adapt or migrate.