The word endemic,
in a broad sense, indicate belonging to, peculiar to, or prevalent in a
particular region, race, field, or
environment. Originating where it is found.
Endemic is in contrast to any one of a number of words meaning
"not native" (e.g., adventive,
exotic,
introduced,
naturalized, non-native). On
the other hand it is also differentiated from
indigenous. A
species that is endemic is
exclusive to that place or region, found naturally nowhere else. A
species that is indigenous is native, but not unique because it is also
native to other places as well.
Generally the word endemic implies a distinct geographical unit, like an
island, a lake, a highland, a country or other defined or isolated area
.
The restricted area where endemic species are found is often
vulnerable to the depredations
of man and introduced species
mean that endemics all too easily can become
extinct.
(3) Endemic
[ Medicine - Epidemiology ]
In medicine and
epidemiology, an infection or
disease is said to be "endemic"
when constantly present to greater or lesser extent in a particular
region.
Some species of climbing
plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on
trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and
crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.
Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron
radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus
tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis
radicans), develop holdfast roots which help to
support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their
way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly
in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first
season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics
some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which
they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend
downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several
years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.
Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House,
1994
