Native
- Pronunciation
- /NAY-tiv/
- Category
- Ecology
- Singular
- Native
- Plural
- Natives
Definition
Referring to species that occur naturally in a given geographic area without human intervention or introduction.
Etymology
From Latin 'nativus', meaning 'innate, produced by birth'.
Example
The Monarch butterfly is native to North America, where it has evolved over millennia.
Synonyms
- Indigenous
- Aboriginal
Related Terms
- Endemic
- Non-native
- Invasive
- Introduced
Usage Notes
The term 'native' is often used to differentiate naturally occurring species from those that have been introduced by human activities.