Endemism refers to

Options

A. species confined to that region and not found anywhere else
B. species confined to that region and not found else where
C. species of all varieties
D. none of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Endemism**: Endemism refers to species that are native to and restricted to a specific geographical area. This means these species are not found naturally anywhere else in the world.

2. **Characteristics of Endemic Species**: Endemic species are often found in isolated habitats such as islands or isolated mountain ranges. Their restricted distribution is a key characteristic of endemism.

3. **Types of Endemism**:
- **Paleoendemism**: This refers to species that were once widespread but have become restricted to a specific area over time due to various factors such as environmental changes or human activities.
- **Neoendemism**: This refers to species that have recently evolved in a specific area. These species arise due to processes like divergence and reproductive isolation.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- The options provided are:
a. Species confined to that region and not found anywhere else.
b. Species confined to that region and not found elsewhere.
c. Species of all varieties.
d. None of the above.
- Options (a) and (b) essentially convey the same meaning, both correctly describing the concept of endemism.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "Endemism refers to" is both options (a) and (b), as they accurately define endemic species as those confined to a specific region and not found elsewhere.