Endemism: a botanical perspective

摘要: A taxon is endemic if confined to a particular area through historical, ecological or physiological reasons. Endemics can be old (palaeoendemics) new (neoendemics) and the of any rank, though it usually at family level below. The phenomenon endemism important biogeographers, evolutionary biologists ecologists in general. Whilst both plants animals endemic, this chapter will use as examples although notable differences do exist (Harper, 1968). historical discussion plant given by Prentice (1976).