Definition of an Ecotone
An ecotone is a transitional area between two different biological communities or ecosystems, where the species and environmental conditions of the two neighboring zones merge. These zones are not sharply defined lines but rather gradients where one community gradually gives way to another, often exhibiting unique characteristics derived from both.
Characteristics of Ecotones
Ecotones typically display a unique blend of species from both adjacent communities, along with some species that are distinct to the ecotone itself. They are often richer in biodiversity (a phenomenon known as the 'edge effect') due to the overlapping habitats and the greater variety of ecological niches available compared to the uniform adjacent areas.
Examples of Ecotones
Common examples of ecotones include the interface between a forest and a grassland (like a savanna), a riverbank where aquatic and terrestrial environments meet, an estuary where fresh river water mixes with saline ocean water, or the treeline at higher altitudes where forest transitions into alpine tundra.
Ecological Importance
Ecotones play a crucial role in maintaining ecological diversity and stability. They serve as corridors for species migration, provide essential habitats for organisms that thrive in mixed environments, and can act as buffer zones that absorb environmental disturbances, contributing to the overall health and resilience of the broader landscape.