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The term Indicator species applies to animals or plants that are in some way an indicator species of the environment. As such they define a trait, or characteristic of the environment. The two most common uses of the term indicator species are when a "Range" or "ecoregion" is delineated, or when an indicator of an environmental condition is met, (for example a species being affected by a disease outbreak/infestation). Pollution, diseases, species competition-(invasive species) and climate changes can be factors for these environmental changes.