Siirtymävyöhykkeet

Siirtymävyöhykkeet, known in English as transition zones or ecotones, are areas where two or more distinct ecosystems, habitats, or communities meet and intergrade. These zones are characterized by a mixture of species and environmental conditions found in the adjacent ecosystems, as well as some unique species that are adapted to the specific conditions of the transition zone itself. Siirtymävyöhykkeet can occur at various scales, from small patches of vegetation at the edge of a forest to large-scale geographical regions separating different biomes.

The biodiversity in a siirtymävyöhyke is often higher than in the adjacent, more homogeneous ecosystems. This is due to the presence of species from both bordering areas and the possibility of specialized species thriving in the intermediate conditions. Environmental gradients, such as changes in temperature, moisture, soil type, or light availability, are typically steepest within these zones, leading to distinct ecological processes.

Examples of siirtymävyöhykkeet include the edge between a forest and a grassland (often called an ecotone), the intertidal zone between land and sea, or the boundary between a freshwater lake and the surrounding terrestrial environment. Human activities can also create or modify siirtymävyöhykkeet, such as agricultural fields bordering natural habitats or urban areas adjacent to wilderness. Understanding siirtymävyöhykkeet is crucial for conservation efforts, as they often support unique biological communities and play important roles in ecosystem function and connectivity.