endeemisyys

Endeemisyys is a biological term referring to the state of a species or other taxonomic group being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, or other defined zone. An organism that is endemic to a particular place is not found anywhere else in the world. For example, lemurs are endemic to Madagascar. This phenomenon is often a result of geographic isolation, which can lead to unique evolutionary pathways.

Endemism can occur at various scales. A species might be endemic to a single small island, while a genus or family could be endemic to an entire continent. The degree of endemism in a region is often used as a measure of its biodiversity and conservation importance. Areas with high levels of endemism, known as biodiversity hotspots, are of particular concern for conservation efforts because the loss of habitat in these regions can lead to the extinction of entire unique lineages.

Factors contributing to endemism include geographical barriers such as oceans, mountain ranges, or deserts that prevent the dispersal of a species. Over long periods, isolated populations can diverge genetically, eventually leading to the formation of new endemic species. Climate change and habitat fragmentation can also influence endemism by creating new isolated areas or threatening existing ones.