What are native species?

Native species are organisms that originate from a specific ecosystem or region and have adapted to the local environment over time. This means that they have evolved characteristics and behaviors that suit their habitat, making them well-adapted to the climatic conditions, soil types, and interactions with other species within that ecosystem. For instance, a native plant in a North American forest will typically have traits that enable it to survive and thrive in the forest environment, compared to species from entirely different regions that do not have the same adaptations.

In contrast, animals found only in zoos do not represent a distinct environmental adaptation but rather the result of captivity. Species that can thrive in various environments worldwide are often referred to as invasive or non-native species, which can disrupt local ecosystems. Additionally, cultivated plants for agriculture may be bred for specific traits and do not necessarily reflect the concept of native species, which are those that occur naturally in an area without human intervention.