"Exogenous" refers to factors or influences that originate from outside a system. In various fields, such as economics and biology, exogenous variables can affect outcomes but are not influenced by the system itself. For example, in economics, an exogenous shock like a natural disaster can impact market conditions without being caused by the market. In contrast, endogenous factors are those that arise from within the system. Understanding the difference between exogenous and endogenous influences is crucial for analyzing complex systems, whether in economics, ecology, or social sciences. This distinction helps researchers identify the sources of change and their effects on the system.