Ecotone is something that acts as a boundary between two ecosystems. In simple terms, the land we see between the river and riverbank is an ecotone. There are different characteristics of ecotone.

Ecotones are natural and they contain a wide range of species of fauna and flora as the area is influenced by both the bordering ecosystems. The important characteristics of ecotones are 

1. The ecotones are wide and narrow. 

2. The ecotone is a zone of tension. 

3. The ecotone contains species that are entirely different from those found in the bordering systems. 

 4. The ecotones are naturally made or man-made. 

What is the importance of Ecotone? 

Ecotone has a greater significance in ecology. Ecotone is quite important because they have a great variety of organisms. Ecotones also offer a good nesting place for animals coming in search of a nesting place or food. Ecotones act as buffer zones offering protection to the bordering ecosystems from possible damage. There are also several distinguishing features of an ecotone. The ecotone has a sharp vegetation transition with a distinct line between the two communities. 

Ecotones are also a sensitive indicator of global climate change. The shifting of boundaries between ecosystems is thought to be due to climate change. 

How ecotones are formed? 

When there is any kind of change in the physical environment. Then the environment produces sharp boundaries as an example of the interface between areas of forest and cleared land. The mountain ranges are responsible for the formation of the eco stones as they show a wide variety of climatic conditions that are experienced on their slope ranges. Types of Ecotones There are two types of ecotones that are freshwater ecotones and marine ecotones. 

The ecotones are differentiated on the basis of the presence of large plants that rise from the roots that are attached to the submerged substrate. They are found in areas where ample light is available at the bottom of the basin. 

These are some of the characteristics and the importance of Ecotone. The ecotones appear on the ground as a gradual blending of the two communities across the broad area. Sometimes they manifest as a sharp boundary line as well.

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