Definition of Endemic Species

One of the most important but at the same time elusive ideas in biology is that of endemic species. This concept is used to designate all species of both flora and fauna that belong to a given space, with weather, relief and resources specific and that have not been found anywhere else in the world.

Unlike what happens with most species of living beings that can be found at least in several places at the same time, endemic species They have the characteristic of being able to survive based on the existence of particular elements, that is why the fact of being transferred to other regions for study purposes, analysis or exposition It can be a danger to your livelihood.

Endemic species and their main characteristics

When we speak of endemic species we are referring to all those animals or plants that are exclusively characteristic of a place on the planet. This is common in certain regions with climatic characteristics, resources, biome and very specific reliefs that do not occur easily in other spaces. This means that the environment is a great element that influences the existence of endemic species.

These species are likely to be abundant in their place of origin because the conditions under which they are seen exposed favors them or has allowed them to adapt easily, while they cannot achieve it in others spaces. Endemic species are often striking and worthy of being analyzed, but it is important to take into account that since they exist only in a special region of the planet, their care must be extreme so that they do not become extinct by full.

Endemic species as an engine of tourism

Is inescapable think endemic species without analyze the effect that humans can have on them. One of the most common elements is that endemic species usually generate a very important tourist attraction in certain regions because there are many people who want to know and see animals or plants that can only be found In a place.

One of the clearest examples is that of the Galapagos Islands, which belong to Ecuador and are a stronghold of endemic species that are not found anywhere else on the planet. Especially reptiles such as iguanas or giant tortoises are endemic species of these islands and it is undeniable to point out that a central part of the economy Ecuadorian goes through the tourism that this region absorbs.

Charles Darwin and endemic species

Among the contributions of the English biologist Charles Darwin we must mention his study and analysis of endemic species, which influenced and inspired his theory on the evolution of the species.

Darwin made numerous trips to America during his youth and adulthood to study the animal and plant species found in the continent, which were not yet well known in Europe and thus he understood that there were species that had never been recorded before in no other place in the world, with special characteristics and that were the result of a particular adaptation process to the environment.

Photos: iStock - prasit chansarekorn / David Parsons