Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What term describes species that are confined to a specific country or area?

1. Endemic

2. Exotic

3. Invasive

4. Indigenous

The correct answer is: Endemic

The term that describes species confined to a specific country or area is "endemic." Endemic species are those that are native to and found only in one particular location or region. This means they are adapted to the local environment and have evolved in isolation from other geographic areas. Examples of endemic species can often be found on islands or in unique habitats where their range is limited. In contrast, the other terms relate to species in different ways. Exotic species refer to organisms that are introduced into an area where they are not originally from, whereas invasive species are those that, once introduced, can spread rapidly and have harmful effects on local ecosystems. Indigenous species encompass those that are native to a region, but they may not be confined to a single location like endemic species. Therefore, "endemic" is the most precise term for describing those species that are restricted to a specific geographic area.