Question

What is the difference between endemic and exotic species?

Differentiate between endemic and exotic species.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Point of Difference	Endemic Species	Exotic Species
1.	Definition	Species native to and restricted to a particular geographical region.	Species introduced from other geographical regions into a new area.
2.	Distribution	Confined to a specific area only.	Found in areas outside their native range because of introduction.
3.	Origin	Naturally evolved and exist only in a restricted area.	Brought intentionally or unintentionally by humans or other means.
4.	Adaptation	Well adapted to the local environment of their restricted area.	May or may not adapt well to the new environment.
5.	Role in Ecosystem	Part of natural biodiversity and ecosystem balance of the native area.	It can disrupt native biodiversity and may become invasive.
6.	Examples	Several endemic species in the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India).	Plant or animal species introduced into non-native areas are often used in agriculture or horticulture or accidentally introduced.