How is endemism defined in the context of species distribution?

Endemism is defined as the state where a species is found exclusively in a single, defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, or any other specific zone. Organisms that are indigenous to a place are not considered endemic if they are also found elsewhere.

What is an example of an endemic species and its specific location?

The orange-breasted sunbird is an example of an endemic species, found exclusively in southwestern South Africa. This means it is unique to that particular region of the world.

What are the alternative terms used in scientific literature to refer to an endemic species?

In scientific literature, an endemic species can also be referred to as an endemism or, more specifically, an endemite. These terms are used to denote species restricted to a particular geographic area.

What is the significance of endemism in conservation biology?

Endemism is a crucial concept in conservation biology because it serves as a metric for measuring biodiversity within a specific area. It also helps in evaluating the risk of extinction for species unique to that location.

How does endemism provide insights into evolutionary biology?

Endemism is of interest in evolutionary biology as it offers clues about how environmental changes can cause species to shift their ranges, become extirpated from certain areas, go extinct, or diversify into new species.

What is the direct opposite of a species exhibiting a cosmopolitan distribution?

The direct opposite of a species with a cosmopolitan distribution, which means it has a global or widespread range, is an endemic species, which is restricted to a single, limited geographic location.

What does the term 'precinctive' signify in biological classification?

The term 'precinctive' is a less common alternative used for species, or other taxonomic levels, that are strictly confined to a specific geographical area. It is sometimes used interchangeably with endemic.

Besides 'precinctive', what other terms are sometimes used for endemic species, and why are they less precise?

Other terms like 'autochthonal', 'autochthonic', and 'indigenous' are sometimes used interchangeably with endemic. However, these terms do not specifically denote the status of a species belonging exclusively to a determined place, making them less precise than 'endemic' or 'precinctive'.

How does the presence of a species in captivity affect its classification as endemic?

A species is still considered endemic to its natural area even if individuals are present in captivity or in botanical gardens. The definition focuses on its natural geographic distribution, not its presence in human-controlled environments.

While endemism can theoretically apply to any scale, when is the term typically used in practice?

Although endemism can technically apply to any geographic scale, from a single sinkhole to an entire planet, it is conventionally used to describe species with a relatively small or restricted natural range. This distinguishes it from species with a widespread or cosmopolitan distribution.

Does the status of being endemic necessarily imply that a species is rare?

No, being endemic does not automatically mean a species is rare. Endemic species can be common within their restricted range. Conversely, a species might have a large geographic range but still be rare throughout that entire area.

How does allopatric speciation contribute to the phenomenon of endemism?

Allopatric speciation, also known as geographic speciation, occurs when populations of a species become geographically separated. This isolation prevents gene flow, allowing the separated populations to evolve into distinct species, often resulting in endemism within those isolated regions.

What types of environments are particularly prone to high rates of endemism, and why?

Isolated environments such as remote islands, isolated mountainous regions, and large, separate bodies of water tend to have high rates of endemism. This is because these locations limit the ability of organisms to disperse to new areas or to exchange genes with populations elsewhere, fostering reproductive isolation and speciation.

What role do refuges during climate change play in the formation of endemic species?

Areas that serve as refuges during periods of climate change, like ice ages, can lead to endemism. Species may become restricted to regions with stable climatic conditions, concentrating endemic species in these resilient zones and leading to their divergence from populations in more fluctuating environments.

What is the distinction between paleoendemic and neoendemic species?

Paleoendemic species are those that were once widespread but are now confined to a much smaller area, often representing a remnant of a once more diverse group. Neoendemic species, in contrast, are newly formed species that have not yet dispersed beyond a limited range, often arising from recent speciation events.

Beyond geographic isolation, what biological factors can contribute to a high rate of speciation and endemism?

Biological factors such as low rates of dispersal or a strong tendency for organisms to return to their birthplace (philopatry) can lead to high speciation rates and, consequently, many endemic species within a group. For example, certain fish families like cichlids in isolated lakes exhibit this phenomenon.

How can plants become endemic to isolated islands, even if they possess good dispersal capabilities?

While it might seem counterintuitive, plants that become endemic to isolated islands are often those with a *high* rate of dispersal. This ability allows them to reach these islands in the first place, and once established in isolation, they can evolve into endemic species.

What was the historical hypothesis regarding the distribution of microorganisms?

The traditional hypothesis, often stated as 'everything is everywhere,' suggested that microorganisms (organisms smaller than 2 mm) were cosmopolitan. This theory proposed that their distribution was widespread wherever suitable habitats existed, rather than being restricted to specific locations.

Why do researchers often use more specialized terms to categorize endemic species?

Researchers use specialized terms to categorize endemic species because endemism can arise from a wide variety of evolutionary histories. These specific terms help to classify endemics based on how they originated and became restricted to a particular area.

Who first introduced subcategories of endemism like schizoendemics, apoendemics, and patroendemics?

The initial subcategories of endemism—schizoendemics, apoendemics, and patroendemics—were first introduced by Claude P. E. Favager and Juliette Contandriopoulis in 1961.

What is the relationship between paleoendemism and the concept of a 'relict species'?

Paleoendemism is largely synonymous with the concept of a 'relict species.' A relict species is a population or taxon that was more widespread or diverse in the past but is now found in a restricted area or is the sole surviving representative of a formerly larger group.

What does the concept of phylogenetic endemism measure?

Phylogenetic endemism is a concept used to measure the relative uniqueness of species endemic to a particular area. It weights the branches of an evolutionary tree according to the narrowness of their distribution, considering not just the number of endemic taxa but also their evolutionary distinctiveness.

What are the defining characteristics of schizoendemics, apoendemics, and patroendemics?

Schizoendemics arise from a widely distributed taxon that becomes reproductively isolated without necessarily becoming genetically isolated, often retaining the same chromosome count as the parent. Apoendemics are polyploids of the parent taxon, while patroendemics have a lower, diploid chromosome count than their related, more widespread polyploid ancestor.

Who coined the term 'aneuendemics', and what do they describe?

The term 'aneuendemics' was coined by Mikio Ono in 1991. It describes species that have a different chromosome number (more or fewer) than their relatives due to aneuploidy, a condition involving an abnormal number of chromosomes.

What are pseudoendemics and holoendemics?

Pseudoendemics are taxa that may have recently evolved due to a mutation. Holoendemics, a concept introduced by Richardson in 1978, describes taxa that have remained endemic to a restricted distribution for a very extended period.

According to the perspective of Myers and de Grave (2000), how is endemism defined, and what are their proposed categories?

Myers and de Grave (2000) proposed that everything is endemic, including cosmopolitan species being endemic to Earth. They suggested four categories: holoendemics (cosmopolitan species), euryendemics (larger, continuous distributions), stenoendemics (reduced distributions, synonymous with traditional endemics), and rhoendemics (disjunct distributions). They further subdivided rhoendemics into euendemics (separation due to geological events) and cryptoendemics (separation due to extinction of intermediate populations).

Which of Myers and de Grave's categories align with the traditional understanding of endemism?

According to the traditional understanding of endemism, only the 'stenoendemics' category proposed by Myers and de Grave (2000) would be considered true endemics, as they represent species with a reduced distribution, similar to the conventional definition of being restricted to a specific area.

What makes serpentine soils unique environments for endemism?

Serpentine soils are considered 'edaphic islands' due to their low fertility and unique chemical composition. These conditions create challenging environments that promote high rates of endemism, as only specialized plant species can thrive there.

Where are serpentine soils typically found around the world?

Serpentine soils are found in various regions globally, including the Balkan Peninsula, Turkey, the Alps, Cuba, New Caledonia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the North American Appalachians, and scattered areas in California, Oregon, and Washington.

How do caves contribute to high levels of endemism among their inhabitants?

Caves are naturally restricted, isolated, and fragmented habitats. Species that are obligate cave-dwellers, known as troglobites, often become endemic to very small areas, sometimes even a single cave, because their specialized adaptations limit their ability to disperse to other locations.

What is the specific habitat of the Devil's Hole pupfish, an example of an endemic species?

The Devil's Hole pupfish (*Cyprinodon diabolis*) is endemic to a small spring measuring only 20 by 3 meters, located in Nevada's Mojave Desert. This 'aquatic island,' though connected to an underground basin, supports a population isolated within the pool.

What is an example of an island archipelago known for fostering high rates of endemism, and what new endemic species was recently identified there?

The Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, belonging to Yemen, is known for fostering high rates of endemism. A new endemic species of parasitic leech, *Myxobdella socotrensis*, was recently identified there, restricted to freshwater springs where it attaches to native crabs.

How are mountains described in terms of endemism, and what term is used to characterize them?

Mountains are often described as ' sky islands ' because their cool climates at higher elevations create geographically isolated refugia. This isolation allows species living there to evolve into endemic forms.

What is an example of an endemic plant found in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France?

An example of an endemic plant found in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France is *Saxifraga florulenta*. This species is thought to have evolved in the Late Miocene and may have once been more widespread across the Mediterranean Basin.

How do volcanoes contribute to the presence of endemic species?

Volcanoes often harbor endemic species because the unique environmental conditions create specialized ecological niches. Plants, for instance, may evolve with very restricted ranges due to the specific characteristics of volcanic habitats.

What is an example of a volcano in Turkey that is noted for its endemic plant species?

The Kula Volcano in Turkey is an example of a volcanic area that supports endemic species. It is home to 13 endemic species of plants, which have adapted to its unique environmental conditions.

Why are endemic species considered to be at a higher risk of extinction?

Endemic species are at a higher risk of extinction because their populations are already restricted to a limited geographic distribution. Any environmental changes, habitat loss, or threats that affect this specific area can have a disproportionately severe impact on the entire species.

How does rapid climate change pose a particular threat to endemic species?

Rapid climate change poses a significant threat to endemic species because their limited ranges may not allow them to adapt or migrate to suitable conditions as quickly as widespread species can. Their restricted habitats might become inhospitable, leading to a higher likelihood of extinction.

What approach do some scientists propose for identifying conservation priorities based on endemism?

Some scientists suggest that the presence of endemic species in a particular area is a strong indicator for identifying geographical regions that should be prioritized for conservation efforts. Studying endemism can serve as a proxy for measuring the unique biodiversity of a region.

Who initially proposed the concept of 'endemism hotspots', and what criteria were suggested?

Paul Müller first proposed the concept of 'endemism hotspots' in 1973. He suggested that identifying such areas is possible when the taxonomy of the species is undisputed, their distribution is accurately known, and the species have relatively small distributional ranges.

How did Myers et al. (2000) define and designate biodiversity hotspots?

In their 2000 paper, Myers et al. designated 25 geographical areas as biodiversity hotspots based on the criterion that more than 0.5% of the world's plant species are endemic to that region. This approach aimed to identify areas of critical conservation importance.

How has the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) utilized the concept of endemism in its global conservation strategy?

The WWF has divided the world into hundreds of geographical 'ecoregions.' These ecoregions are designed to encompass species that are endemic to a single region, thereby identifying areas with high concentrations of unique biodiversity for conservation focus.

What is an example of a conservation effort that utilizes the concept of endemism hotspots?

The Caparaó National Park in Brazil was established within the Atlantic Forest, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. This park was created to protect valuable and vulnerable species, many of which are likely endemic to this specific region.

What criticism has been raised regarding the use of endemism as a sole measure of biodiversity for conservation?

Some scientists argue that endemism alone is not always an appropriate measure of biodiversity for conservation. They point out that areas with high endemism do not always correlate with areas facing the greatest threats or possessing the highest overall biodiversity, as seen in studies using bird and mammal species.

How have other scientists defended the use of endemism in conservation planning?

Defenders of using endemism in conservation planning have shown that, in some cases, like with reptiles, most endemic species do indeed occur within WWF ecoregions that also exhibit high biodiversity. This suggests that endemism can still be a valuable indicator when considered within broader ecological frameworks.

What are 'ex situ' conservation methods, and how are they applied to endemic species?

Ex situ conservation methods, meaning 'off-site' conservation, involve maintaining captive or semi-captive populations of species outside their natural habitats. For endemic species, this includes efforts in zoological parks and botanical gardens, providing refuge and opportunities for research on declining or vulnerable populations.

What are the etymological roots of the word 'endemic'?

The word 'endemic' originates from Neo-Latin 'endēmicus,' derived from the Greek word 'éndēmos' (ἔνδημος), meaning 'native.' 'Éndēmos' itself is formed from 'en' (meaning 'in') and 'dēmos' (meaning 'the people').

How was the term 'endemic' first applied in biology, and by whom?

The term 'endemic' was first used in biology in 1872 by Charles Darwin. He applied it to mean a species that was restricted to a specific geographic location.

What is the relationship between endemic species and geographic isolation?

Geographic isolation is a primary driver of endemism. When populations are separated by physical barriers like oceans, mountains, or deserts, they are prevented from interbreeding, which can lead to the evolution of unique, endemic species within those isolated areas.

What is an example of a species that is endemic to a specific 'aquatic island'?

The Devil's Hole pupfish (*Cyprinodon diabolis*) is an example of a species endemic to a specific 'aquatic island.' Its entire native population is restricted to a small spring in Nevada's Mojave Desert.

How can the concept of phylogenetic endemism help in understanding biodiversity?

Phylogenetic endemism helps in understanding biodiversity by considering not just the number of unique species in an area (taxonomic endemism) but also their evolutionary history. By weighting evolutionary branches based on distribution, it provides a deeper insight into the uniqueness and evolutionary significance of the biodiversity present.

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What is Endemism?

Defining Endemism

Endemism describes the state where a species is found exclusively within a single, defined geographic area, such as an island, state, nation, or other specific zone. Organisms indigenous to a place are not considered endemic if they are also found elsewhere. For instance, the Cape sugarbird is endemic to southwestern South Africa, existing nowhere else naturally.^[2] This concept is fundamental to understanding biodiversity distribution.

Significance in Ecology

Endemism is a critical metric in conservation biology for assessing biodiversity and evaluating extinction risks for species. In evolutionary biology, it provides insights into how environmental changes drive species range shifts, extinction, or diversification. This contrasts sharply with species exhibiting a cosmopolitan distribution, which are found globally.^[1]

Terminology Nuances

While 'endemic' is the primary term, related concepts exist. 'Precinctive' is sometimes used, particularly by entomologists, to denote species restricted to a defined geographical area, avoiding the association of 'endemic' with diseases. Other terms like 'autochthonal', 'autochthonic', and 'indigenous' are sometimes used interchangeably, though they may not precisely capture the exclusivity of endemism.^[6]^[8]

Etymology

Linguistic Roots

The term 'endemic' originates from Neo-Latin endēmicus, derived from the Greek word éndēmos, meaning "native." This Greek term itself is a compound of en ("in") and dēmos ("the people"). Initially, 'endemic' was used in epidemiology to describe diseases occurring at a constant level within a population, distinct from epidemics. Its biological application, signifying species restricted to a specific location, was popularized by Charles Darwin in 1872.^[7]

The 'Precinctive' Alternative

Entomologist David Sharp introduced the term 'precinctive' in 1900, partly due to discomfort with the disease-related connotations of 'endemic'. He used it to describe species confined to a particular area of study. Botanist Vaughan MacCaughey later adopted 'precinctive' in Hawaiian flora studies in 1917.^[10]^[11]

Overview

Natural Distribution vs. Captivity

A species is considered endemic to the regions where it naturally occurs, irrespective of its presence in captivity or botanical gardens. While 'endemic' can theoretically apply to any scale, it is typically used for species with restricted ranges, contrasting with those having a cosmopolitan distribution. Importantly, endemic species are not necessarily rare; some may be common within their limited range. Conversely, rarity does not automatically imply endemism; a species can be rare across a wide distribution.^[12]

Drivers of Endemism

Endemism arises from various evolutionary processes. Allopatric speciation, where geographic separation leads to species divergence, is a primary driver. Isolated environments like remote islands (e.g., Hawaii, Galapagos, Socotra), mountain ranges (e.g., Ethiopian Highlands), and large, isolated lakes (e.g., Lake Baikal) often exhibit high rates of endemism due to limited dispersal and gene flow.^[13]

Origins of Endemism

Geographic and Climatic Factors

Geographic isolation, such as that found on islands, in mountain ranges ('sky islands'), or around large lakes, restricts species movement and promotes divergence. Climate change, particularly during ice ages, created stable 'refugia' where species persisted, leading to high concentrations of endemics in these resilient areas. This can result in paleoendemic species, which were once widespread but are now restricted, like the Ginkgo biloba tree.^[17]^[18]

Biological and Evolutionary Mechanisms

Biological factors, including low dispersal rates or strong philopatry (returning to a specific location), can increase speciation rates and thus endemism. For example, cichlid fish in East African Rift Lakes exhibit high diversification. Conversely, species with high dispersal capabilities are more likely to colonize isolated islands, contributing to island endemism.^[16]^[19]

Subtypes and Definitions

Categorizing Endemism

Researchers categorize endemics based on their evolutionary history to better understand their uniqueness and conservation needs. Early classifications included schizoendemics, apoendemics, and patroendemics. Later, concepts like neoendemics (recently evolved species) and paleoendemics (relict species from wider-ranging ancestors) were introduced.^[12]^[24]

Paleo vs. Neoendemism

Paleoendemics are species that were once widely distributed but are now confined to a smaller area, often representing 'relict' populations. Neoendemics are species that have recently arisen, perhaps through hybridization, polyploidy (in plants), or other speciation events, and have not yet dispersed widely.^[16]

Phylogenetic Endemism

Phylogenetic endemism measures the evolutionary uniqueness of species within an area by weighting evolutionary branches according to their distribution. This approach captures not only the number of endemic species (taxonomic endemism) but also their evolutionary distinctness from related species.^[5]

Environments Conducive to Endemism

Serpentine Soils

Serpentine soils, characterized by low fertility and unique chemical compositions, act as 'edaphic islands.' These conditions foster high rates of endemism, as seen in various regions globally, including California, where endemic plant forms of Streptanthus glandulosus have evolved on serpentine patches.^[28]^[29]

Caves

Obligate cave-dwelling species (troglobites) are frequently endemic to very small areas, sometimes single caves. The restricted, isolated, and fragmented nature of cave habitats limits dispersal, promoting divergence among populations and leading to high levels of endemism.^[31]

Islands

Isolated islands are classic hotspots for endemism. Species evolving in these environments, like the Devil's Hole pupfish in Nevada or various species on the Socotra Archipelago, are often restricted to these specific landmasses due to geographic isolation.^[35]^[36]

Mountains

Mountains function as 'sky islands,' isolating species adapted to cool, high-altitude climates. This geographic isolation fosters endemism, as seen with plants like Saxifraga florulenta in the Alpes-Maritimes.^[37] Volcanoes, with their unique environmental conditions, also tend to harbor endemic species.^[38]

Conservation Implications

Vulnerability to Threats

Due to their restricted ranges, endemic species are inherently more vulnerable to extinction. They face heightened risks from habitat loss, invasive species, and particularly from rapid climate change, which can outpace their ability to adapt or disperse.^[39]^[40]

Identifying Conservation Priorities

The presence of endemic species is often used as a key indicator for identifying geographical regions that warrant priority for conservation efforts, known as biodiversity hotspots. Concepts like Müller's proposal for areas with high endemic plant species and the World Wildlife Fund's ecoregions aim to map and protect these unique biodiversity centers.^[44]^[42]

Biodiversity Metrics Debate

While endemism is a valuable metric, its correlation with overall biodiversity or threat levels is debated. Studies using different taxa (birds, mammals, reptiles) show varying degrees of congruence between species richness, endemism, and threat status, suggesting that multiple metrics are needed for comprehensive conservation planning.^[1]^[47]

Ex-situ Conservation

For critically endangered endemic species, ex-situ conservation methods, such as maintaining captive populations in zoological parks and botanical gardens, provide a vital refuge. These programs not only protect individuals but also offer valuable opportunities for research into the species' biology and potential reintroduction strategies.^[48]

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The Realm of the Unique

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What is Endemism? 📍

🌿 Defining Endemism

🌍 Significance in Ecology

🧐 Terminology Nuances

Etymology 🗣️

📜 Linguistic Roots

🧐 The 'Precinctive' Alternative

Overview 🏞️

🌍 Natural Distribution vs. Captivity

🌳 Drivers of Endemism

Origins of Endemism ⏳

⛰️ Geographic and Climatic Factors

🦋 Biological and Evolutionary Mechanisms

Subtypes and Definitions 📊

📜 Categorizing Endemism

🧬 Paleo vs. Neoendemism

🌿 Phylogenetic Endemism

Environments Conducive to Endemism 🌋

🪨 Serpentine Soils

🦇 Caves

🏝️ Islands

🏔️ Mountains

Conservation Implications 🌳

🚨 Vulnerability to Threats

🎯 Identifying Conservation Priorities

📊 Biodiversity Metrics Debate

🏛️ Ex-situ Conservation

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Endemism?

Defining Endemism

Significance in Ecology

Terminology Nuances

Etymology

Linguistic Roots

The 'Precinctive' Alternative

Overview

Natural Distribution vs. Captivity

Drivers of Endemism

Origins of Endemism

Geographic and Climatic Factors

Biological and Evolutionary Mechanisms

Subtypes and Definitions

Categorizing Endemism

Paleo vs. Neoendemism

Phylogenetic Endemism

Environments Conducive to Endemism

Serpentine Soils

Caves

Islands

Mountains

Conservation Implications

Vulnerability to Threats

Identifying Conservation Priorities

Biodiversity Metrics Debate

Ex-situ Conservation

Teacher's Corner

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Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice