The changes in environmental conditions and species composition that occur at the boundary between different habitats or along the edges of habitat fragments. These edges often have different light, temperature, and humidity than habitat interiors.
Compound term combining 'edge' from Old English 'ecg' (border) and 'effect' from Latin 'effectus' (result). The ecological concept was formalized in the 1930s-40s as researchers studied how habitat boundaries influence wildlife.
Edge effects can reach surprisingly far into forests—sometimes hundreds of meters! Near forest edges, you'll find more weedy plants, different bird species, and altered microclimates that can completely change the ecosystem's character.
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