Ekotoneilla

Ekotoneilla is a term used to describe the transitional area between two different ecosystems. It is a zone of overlap where characteristics of both adjacent environments are present. For example, an ecotone can exist between a forest and a grassland, or between a freshwater lake and a terrestrial environment. These zones are often richer in species diversity than the surrounding ecosystems because they support organisms from both habitats as well as species that are uniquely adapted to the ecotone itself. The conditions within an ecotone can fluctuate more than in the core areas of the individual ecosystems, leading to a dynamic and complex environment. Factors such as light intensity, temperature, and moisture can vary significantly across an ecotone. The boundaries of ecotones are not always sharply defined, and their size can vary greatly depending on the scale of the ecosystems they connect. They play an important role in ecological processes, facilitating the movement of organisms and genetic exchange between different habitats. Conservation efforts often focus on ecotones due to their high biodiversity and ecological significance.