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Dictionary definition of “ecotone”

ecotone

n. an area where two ecologies meet or overlap. Subjects: English, Environment, Science, Jargon

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Citations: 1906 H.L. Shantz Botanical Gazette (Sept.) “A Study of the Vegetation of the Mesa Region East of Pike’s Peak: The Bouteloua Formation. II. Development of the Formation” p. vol. 42, no. 3, p. 179: In most places under natural conditions there seems to be an ecotone, a place of equal aggressiveness, betwen this formation and the Bouteloua formation. 1982 Ian Mulgrew Globe and Mail (Toronto, Can.) (Feb. 16) “Seattle suggests deal with B.C. over flooding of Skagit Valley” p. P11: The Skagit Valley is hailed as a unique ecotone, an area of 1,000 year-old forests where two climatic zones overlap. As a result, plant and animal hybrids are common, all of which would be wiped out by the flooding. *2003 Ecotone: Writing About Place: An ecotone is a term from the field of ecology. It is a place where landscapes meet—like field with forest, or grassland with desert. The ecotone is an area of increased richness and diversity where the two communities commingle. Here too are creatures unique to the ecotone…the so-called ‘edge effect.’

Posted 10 May 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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