territorial

Territorial is an adjective related to territory—the land and water under jurisdiction or control of a person, organization, or state. It can describe physical space, political authority over space, and the behaviors or policies aimed at managing or defending that space. The term is used across biology, geography, law, and social sciences to describe objects, areas, and actions tied to a defined region.

In biology, territoriality refers to the defense and maintenance of a bounded area by an individual or group. Defenses can include displays, scent marking, vocalizations, and aggressive encounters. Territorial behavior influences access to resources such as food, mates, and nesting sites, and is affected by resource distribution, population density, and environmental conditions.

In political science and international law, territorial concerns involve borders, sovereignty, and jurisdiction. Territorial integrity is the principle that states should maintain their borders against external interference. Territorial disputes arise when claims overlap or when different actors assert control over the same area, potentially requiring diplomacy, arbitration, or conflict resolution.

In governance and urban planning, territorial concepts organize authority and services. Territorial administration, regional planning, and zoning divide land into units for governance, infrastructure, and development, and help manage population distribution, economic activity, and public goods.

The term derives from Latin territorium, from terra meaning land. In everyday usage, territorial describes anything relating to a territory or to territorial behavior, whether in nature, law, or administration.