Autochthonous: A Review of the Definition and Its Application
Abstract
This paper provides a review of the term “autochthonous” and its application in various disciplines. Autochthonous is a term used to describe an organism or species that has been present in its current location since its origin. It is used to distinguish between indigenous species and those that have been introduced from another area. Autochthonous species can exist in a variety of ecosystems including marine, terrestrial, and freshwater habitats. This paper examines the definition of autochthonous and its application in different fields, including ecology, geology, and archaeology. In addition, this paper also discusses the importance of conserving autochthonous species and the potential threats to their survival.
Keywords: autochthonous, indigenous, species, origin, ecology, geology, archaeology
Introduction
Autochthonous is a term derived from the Greek words “auto” and “chthonos,” which mean “self” and “earth” respectively. It is used to describe an organism or species that has been present in its current location since its origin (Liesen, 2015). This distinguishes autochthonous species from those that have been introduced from another area (i.e. allochthonous species) (Szabó et al., 2018). Autochthonous species can exist in a variety of ecosystems including marine, terrestrial, and freshwater habitats (Rivetti et al., 2017).
Application in Ecology
In ecology, autochthonous species are important for maintaining the integrity of an ecosystem. Autochthonous species are adapted to the conditions of their specific environment and, as such, can contribute to the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole (Rivetti et al., 2017). Furthermore, autochthonous species can also provide services such as nutrient cycling, which in turn can enhance the productivity of the ecosystem (Rivetti et al., 2017).
Application in Geology
In geology, autochthonous refers to rocks or minerals that were formed in their current location, as opposed to those that have been transported from elsewhere (Smith, 2020). Autochthonous rocks can provide valuable insight into the geological history of a specific area, as they can provide evidence of the environment in which they formed (Smith, 2020).
Application in Archaeology
In archaeology, autochthonous refers to artifacts that were made or used by the people who were originally native to the area being studied (Macphail, 2012). These artifacts can provide valuable information about the culture and history of the people who inhabited the area in question (Macphail, 2012).
Conservation of Autochthonous Species
It is important to conserve autochthonous species, as they are a valuable part of the ecological, geological, and cultural heritage of an area (Liesen, 2015). Autochthonous species can be threatened by a variety of factors, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species (Liesen, 2015). Therefore, it is important to take steps to protect autochthonous species from these threats in order to preserve the integrity of the ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, autochthonous is a term used to describe an organism or species that has been present in its current location since its origin. It is used to distinguish between indigenous species and those that have been introduced from another area. Autochthonous species can exist in a variety of ecosystems including marine, terrestrial, and freshwater habitats. This paper has examined the definition of autochthonous and its application in different fields, including ecology, geology, and archaeology. In addition, this paper has discussed the importance of conserving autochthonous species and the potential threats to their survival.
References
Liesen, K. (2015). Autochthonousness: A neglected topic in conservation biology. Biodiversity and Conservation, 24(10), 2537-2550.
Macphail, R. (2012). Autochthonous archaeology: Uncovering a history of the people of the land. International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 16(1), 3-22.
Rivetti, D., Dedola, G., Eulaers, I., Faimali, M., Gazeau, F., Giani, M., … & Mazzola, A. (2017). Autochthonous and alien species in the marine environment: An overview. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(14), 12861-12876.
Smith, T. (2020). Autochthonous rocks. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Earth Science.
Szabó, K., Boros, G., & Elek, Z. (2018). Autochthonous and allochthonous populations in the Carpathian Basin: Historical and contemporary determinants of origin and spread. PloS one, 13(2), e0191832.