övergångsområde

Övergångsområde, often translated as transition zone or ecotone, refers to a spatial area where two ecological communities or habitats meet and overlap. This zone is characterized by a mixture of species and environmental conditions from both adjacent communities, as well as potentially unique species that thrive specifically in these transitional environments. The size and distinctness of an övergångsområde can vary significantly depending on the scale of the interacting ecosystems.

These areas are important ecological interfaces. They often exhibit higher biodiversity than the surrounding, more homogenous habitats, as they can support species from both communities and specialized transition zone species. This increased diversity is a result of the varied resources and niches available. Övergångsområden can also act as corridors for species movement between different habitats, facilitating gene flow and migration.

Examples of övergångsområden include the edge where a forest meets a grassland, the intertidal zone where land meets the sea, or the area where freshwater rivers merge with saltwater oceans (estuaries). These zones are frequently dynamic, influenced by factors such as topography, soil type, climate, and the intensity of disturbance. Changes in the surrounding ecosystems or human activities can lead to shifts in the composition and extent of an övergångsområde.