A transition area between two different ecosystems or habitats where species from both communities meet and interact. These boundary zones often have higher biodiversity than the adjacent ecosystems.
From Greek 'oikos' (house, habitat) and 'tonos' (tension), coined in 1905 by botanist Frederic Clements. The term literally means 'tension zone' referring to the ecological stress where different communities meet.
Ecotones are like nature's mixing bowls where the magic happens! Forest edges, shorelines, and prairie-woodland borders often support more species than either habitat alone because they offer resources from both worlds plus unique edge conditions.
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