What is an ecotone: definition and examples

Receive the Ecotono to the natural transition zone between two different and adjacent ecological systemsthat is, it is the ecological limit between them and is usually several hundred meters or kilometers. These systems can be:

• Biomes. This is called the geographical area defined by a series of climatic and geological factors that determine the type of vegetation and fauna.
• Landscapes.
• Ecosystems Discover more about what an ecosystem is in this other Ecology Verde.
• Communities or populations.

Are Transition zones are formed due to Physical-environmental variable action such as climate, topography, soil characteristics or the presence of another population, which is called Biotope. In this other ecology article, we talk about biotope: what is and examples.

Depending on their condition, the transition can be more abrupt or more gradual. In addition, it should be noted that this Biological confluence zone It is usually in most cases, where greater biological wealth It exists, rather than in adjacent areas. And why? The answer is simple, since it is the area of ​​greatest interaction of individuals, it has even been observed that in these areas new species inhabit, specifically adapted to this type of habitat or biotope, this event is called “Edge effect”.

Each species or population acts in a certain way depending on the environmental conditions of the ecotone. These conditions or factors can be biotic and abiotic (both interaction with other species and pH, temperature, luminosity …), taking into account this, will behave differently and specificly, fulfilling functions within the ecotone, which otherwise receives the name of Ecological niche (pollinators, decomponers …). Here you can discover the difference between habitat and ecological niche, because sometimes they get confused.

These areas can be divided or categorized in different ways. These are the main Types of ecotonesdepending on whether it is biomes, landscapes or populations or communities.

• If we refer to bioma, ecotonians are determined by climatic factors such as water, temperature and topographic factors.
• As for the landscape, ecotonians are influenced by weather and topography, but chemical characteristics of the soil such as pH or rock composition are also included.
• If we talk about population ecotone or communities, we must talk about the influence on the interaction of species that will affect their composition and distribution.

Both in Africa and in America, Europe and the rest of the continents there are numerous ecotonians. In this section of the Ecology Verde, we will see the most significant and easy -to -understand examples to finish clarifying what we mean when we call a natural transition area. Pay attention, to the following Examples of ecotonians:

Tundra and taiga or boreal forest

If we stand in America and Europe we can talk about the border between the tundra and the boreal forest. This ecotone is an example in two different biomes characterized by the climate that exists in each of them.

The tundra is found in polar areas of the northern planet. The weather is very cold, with temperatures that do not exceed 10 ° C and with an average rainfall average of 250 mm per year. A feature to highlight in this area is the permanence of permafrost or frozen soil throughout the year.

As for the boreal forest (Canada) or Taiga (Russia) it is located south of the tundras. Temperatures here range from 30 ° C below zero to 19 ° C, rainfall is more abundant reaching 450 mm on average per year.

The ecotone that is formed between these two biomes in North America is of little extension, but in Europe it reaches up to 200 km. It is characterized by being a fragmented landscape, observing areas covered by dense forests and others dominated by lichens and heather. The ecotone we are defining is called forest-tundra, which has more biological diversity than defined biomes, since there are species of both areas.

In these other articles we can know these two biomes in depth:

• Tundra: characteristics, flora and fauna.
• What is the taiga: definition and characteristics.

Wetlands

Wetlands are ecotonians among Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems with an important function within environmental sanitation, so its conservation becomes fundamental.

We refer to the capture of sediments, absorption of nutrients and release of chemical substances, thus improving the quality of the waters. An example of this is its performance as regulators of nitrogen concentrations in rivers, which are increased by the presence of toxic agricultural products. This nutrient is mostly captured, by the vegetation of the wetlands, turning part of it into living biomass.

This has only been two examples of ecotonians of simple understanding to definitely understand meaning, and there are not only terrestrial ecotonies, as we have explained in the example of wetlands, there are also aquatic areas, no less rich in life or with less ecological value. Surely you now have other possible examples that resemble everything explained above. Next, we show you a list of those ecotonians that you know separately, but did not relate to the given definition.

• The oasis In the desert.
• Chad and Sudan (Forest – Sabana – Desert).
• Forest – Páramo (dense wooded forest – Low -height vegetation area).
• Coast (Beach – Forest).

It is necessary to remember the great biological importance Of all these geographical areas, which we must conserve and care because they are transitions of life throughout the planet that do not stop contributing their part in the world.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is an ecotone: definition and exampleswe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.