Cosmopolites


Cosmopolites

 

in biology, species, genera, families, or larger groups of animals or plants that inhabit the whole (or almost the whole) earth.

Strictly cosmopolitan species of animals or plants do not seem to exist. Examples of the highest-ranking cosmopolites are the cereal family, Gramineae, and the bird order Passeriformes. The opposite of cosmopolites are endemics, plants or animals that are found only in limited territories.