Biology
Exogenous
Originating from outside an organism or system. The opposite of endogenous (internal origin).
Biological Context
Exogenous substances enter from outside—drugs, toxins, nutrients. Exogenous shocks are external disruptions. In research, distinguishing endogenous from exogenous variables is crucial for understanding causation.
Business Application
Exogenous business factors come from outside—market conditions, regulations, competitor actions. Less controllable but often more visible than endogenous factors.