---
title: "Endemic Species — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Endemic species live in one place on Earth and nowhere else. Learn why islands breed them, how invasive species threaten them, and how it's tested on AP Enviro."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/endemic-species"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Endemic Species — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Endemic species are those that are found exclusively in a specific geographic region and nowhere else on Earth. They have evolved unique adaptations to their local environment over time.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.3 Island Biogeography](/ap-enviro/unit-2/island-biogeography/study-guide/bRMemtdNYzWXmblCACF9)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Native Species: Native species refer to organisms that naturally occur and have evolved within a particular habitat or region.
- [Invasive Species](/ap-enviro/key-terms/invasive-species): Invasive species are non-native organisms that enter new ecosystems and cause harm to native plants, animals, or habitats.
- [Extinction](/ap-enviro/key-terms/extinction): Extinction occurs when all members of a particular group or population die out completely, resulting in its disappearance from Earth forever.