Diffusion of Plants and Animals

Definition

This refers to the process by which species of plants and animals spread from their original locations to other areas, often as a result of human activity.

Analogy

Think about diffusion of plants and animals like spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread. The peanut butter starts in one spot (the jar), but as you use the knife (human activity), it spreads across the entire slice (the world).

Related terms

Biological Diffusion: This is the spread of biological factors such as diseases, plants, or animals from one region to another.

Cultural Diffusion: This is the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Invasive Species: These are non-native species that cause harm to the ecosystem into which they have been introduced.