endemism
/ɛnˈdɛmɪzəm/
noun
- The state or quality of being native or restricted to a particular geographic area, especially in biology.
- The high level of endemism on the island means many species are found nowhere else on Earth.
- Conservationists are concerned about the loss of endemism in the Amazon rainforest due to deforestation.
- Endemism in the Galápagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Synonyms