Species found naturally only in one specific geographic area, like lemurs in Madagascar.
Island and mountain-top species are typically endemic. Endemism is a reason for conservation priority, since loss of habitat eliminates the species globally.
Endemism is high on islands and mountains. Narrow range makes species vulnerable. Endemic species contribute to unique biodiversity.
Example: kiwi are endemic to New Zealand.
Species found naturally only in one specific geographic area, like lemurs in Madagascar.
Endemic Species is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Biodiversity Hotspots, Binomial Nomenclature, Species-Area Relationship.
Hawaii has about 90 percent endemic native flowering plants.
Endemic Species is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity that pair well with it include Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy.
The closest topics to Endemic Species are Biodiversity Hotspots, Binomial Nomenclature, Species-Area Relationship, Threats to Biodiversity. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Endemic Species. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
Endemic Species: Species found naturally only in one specific geographic area, like lemurs in Madagascar. Biodiversity Hotspots: Regions with exceptional endemic species that are highly threatened by habitat loss. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Biodiversity Hotspots and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Regions with exceptional endemic species that are highly threatened by habitat loss.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityLinnaeus's two-part naming system using genus and species, such as Homo sapiens.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityLarger areas contain more species, commonly following a power law.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityHabitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO.
🗂️ Taxonomy & Biodiversity