The successful occupation of a new habitat by a species not previously found in that area.

Successful invasion of a new habitat by a species; the occupation of bare ground by soil by seedlings or sporelings

Colonisation is the process in biology by which a species spreads into new areas. The term can be used to describe colonisation on a small scale (i.e. where a species moves into new areas at a particular site, perhaps as a result of a change in conditions) or on a large scale (i.e. where a species expands it range to encompass new areas; here, the term range expansion is often used). The term is generally only used to refer to the spread into new areas by natural means as opposed to introduction by human agency.

For the historic phenomenon of colonization and imperialism, see main article colonialism (and also decolonisation). For the computer game "Colonization", by Sid Meier, see Sid Meier's Colonization.

the establishment of the ideas, beliefs, and values of one group within another group, or the imposition of the ideas, beliefs, and values of one group on another group; in a narrower political sense, colonisation means the establishment by one country of a colony or colonies in another country.

Colonisation is when one county takes over another country

the act of colonizing; the establishment of colonies; "the British colonization of America"

when micro-organisms reside on living tissue without causing disease.

the process in which microorganisms live and reproduce in or on either the human body without causing disease, or an inanimate object such as a disinfection machine.

a risk factor for MRSA transmission to other patients

a clinical one, based on signs, symptoms and investigations, and should be in accord with hospital infection policy