Which term describes a species that is restricted to a single geographic area?

Which term describes a species that is restricted to a single geographic area?

• A. Cosmopolitan
• B. Native
• C. Endemic
• D. Invasive

Answer: (C)

Endemic describes a species confined to a specific geographic area and found nowhere else. This restricted distribution often comes from geographic isolation, unique habitat needs, or limited dispersal, which also makes endemic species especially vulnerable to habitat loss or environmental changes. Cosmopolitan species are widespread across many regions, so they aren’t restricted to one place. Native means the species occurs naturally in a region but doesn’t automatically imply it is confined to a single area. Invasive species are non-native and tend to spread in new areas, often causing ecological harm.

Endemic describes a species confined to a specific geographic area and found nowhere else. This restricted distribution often comes from geographic isolation, unique habitat needs, or limited dispersal, which also makes endemic species especially vulnerable to habitat loss or environmental changes. Cosmopolitan species are widespread across many regions, so they aren’t restricted to one place. Native means the species occurs naturally in a region but doesn’t automatically imply it is confined to a single area. Invasive species are non-native and tend to spread in new areas, often causing ecological harm.