Native (ecology) facts for kids
An indigenous (say: in-DIJ-uh-nus) or native species is a type of plant or animal that naturally lives in a certain place. This means it grew or arrived there all on its own, without any help from humans. It's part of the natural environment of that area.
If humans move a species to a new place, that species is not indigenous there. Instead, it's called an introduced species.
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What Makes a Species Native?
A species is considered native to a place if it lives there because of the natural environment. This means its presence isn't due to people changing things. For example, a type of tree that grows in a forest because its seeds were carried by wind or animals is native.
Natural vs. Human Influence
Native species have not been changed by humans through something called artificial selection. Artificial selection is when people choose certain plants or animals to breed together to get specific traits, like bigger fruits or faster horses. Wild species that haven't been bred by humans are considered indigenous.
Indigenous vs. Introduced Species
It's important to know the difference between indigenous and introduced species.
Introduced Species
An introduced species is a plant or animal that has been brought to a new place by humans. This can happen on purpose, like bringing a new crop to farm, or by accident, like a bug hitching a ride on a ship. These species are not native to their new home.
Why Does it Matter?
Native species are very important for the health of an ecosystem. They have lived in that environment for a long time and have special relationships with other plants, animals, and the land. They help keep the natural balance. Introduced species, on the other hand, can sometimes cause problems for native species and the environment.
What is an Endemic Species?
Sometimes, you might hear the word endemic (say: en-DEM-ik). An endemic species is a type of native species that is found only in a very specific area and nowhere else in the world. For example, a certain type of lizard might be endemic to just one island. All endemic species are native, but not all native species are endemic.
