Siirtymäpintoja

Siirtymäpintoja, also known as transition zones or ecotones, are areas where two distinct ecosystems meet and interact. These zones are characterized by a gradient of environmental conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability, which can lead to a mixture of species from both adjacent ecosystems. Siirtymäpintoja are often found at the edges of forests, along riverbanks, and on mountain slopes, where the transition from one ecosystem to another is gradual rather than abrupt.

The unique environmental conditions in siirtymäpintoja can support a diverse range of plant and animal species. These zones often act as corridors for species movement and gene flow between ecosystems, facilitating the exchange of genetic material and the spread of species. Additionally, siirtymäpintoja can serve as important habitats for species that are adapted to the intermediate conditions found in these zones.

However, siirtymäpintoja are also vulnerable to human activities, such as agriculture, urbanization, and climate change, which can alter the natural gradient of environmental conditions and disrupt the delicate balance of species within these zones. Conservation efforts are often focused on protecting and restoring siirtymäpintoja to maintain their ecological functions and support the diverse range of species that depend on them.