![]() ![]() The vegetation of an ecotone zone is unique, and therefore the presence of both forest and non-forest species as well as the presence of species that are specific for this type of habitat are necessary. Ecotones are a place where they feed, breed, and winter. Both natural and human well-developed ecotones are often local hotspots, refugia, and migration pathways for plants and animals, thus enabling inter-population contacts. Natural ecotones are valuable habitats for biodiversity, and protect the interior of forests. These types of ecotones become significant elements of heterogeneous landscapes. The extent of the forest edge began at a minimum distance of 0–20 m.įorest fragmentation, which is an ongoing process, leads to the creation of numerous forest edges. There was either an increase or decrease in the individual parameters of the forest structure and the coverage of forest species. It was shown that shrubs (cover, density, species richness) were the most affected while vascular plants were the least affected. ![]() Results of the statistical analyses (linear mixed models as well as detrended and canonical correspondence analyses) indicated significant changes in the structure, species composition, and species turnover that were dependent on the distance from the edge of the forest. The structures of the forest stand, trees, shrubs, dwarf shrubs and herbs were determined and data on the species composition and species cover were also collected. The research was performed along ten transects situated at the edge of a forest and in the interior part of a forest (plots from 0 to 200 m). The aim of this study was to determine the width of the ecotones in forests that are adjacent to an expressway and to characterize the edge effect they produced. The factor that has the greatest impact on the configuration and extent of an ecotone is called the “edge effect”. The areas that include ecotones are constantly growing, thus creating new habitats for plants and animals. This phenomenon is known as the edge effect.As a result of forest fragmentation, ecotones have become an important contribution to the landscape. Due to the more diversified ecological characteristics, diverse vegetation, and quantity of landscape elements, there is a higher density and biodiversity along the ecotones. Summary: What is the ecotone and edge effect?Ī zone where an ecosystem (or community) abruptly changes from one to the other is known as an ecotone. Thus, ecotones are the subject of increased research among scientists and environmentalists.The shifting of ecosystem boundaries is assumed to result from climate change.Ecotones are another sensitive indicator of climate change on a global scale.A wetland, for instance, can trap pollutants and keep them from leaking into rivers.They can serve as a buffer zone, protecting nearby ecosystems from potential harm.Due to the higher genetic diversity, they act as a bridge for gene flow between populations.They also provide an excellent nesting location for animals who come looking for a place to nest or food.They have a more comprehensive range of living things.For instance, a man-made ecotone exists between an agricultural field and a forest.Both natural and artificial ecotones exist.It might have species wholly distinct from those in the neighboring systems.It is a high-tension area (as it has conditions intermediate to the bordering ecosystems).Ecotone and Edge Effect - Characteristics ![]()
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