Endemic species

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An endemic species is one which is unique to a particular geographic location, such as a specific island, habitat type, nation, or other defined zone. To be endemic to a place or area means that it is found only in that part of the world and nowhere else. For example, many species of lemur are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Physical, climatic and biological factors can contribute to endemism.

When used in the context of medicine, however, the word's meaning is different. An endemic disease is a disease that is always present in a certain population or region (whether or not it is exclusive to the population or region).

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