ecotone

[ ek-uh-tohn, ee-kuh- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Ecology.

the transition zone between two different plant communities, as that between forest and prairie.

ecotone

/ ˈɛkə-; ˈiːkəˌtəʊn /

ecotone

/ ē′kə-tōn′ /

A transitional zone between two ecological communities, as between a forest and grassland or a river and its estuary. An ecotone has its own characteristics in addition to sharing certain characteristics of the two communities.
See also edge effect

Origin of ecotone¹

1900–05; eco- + tone < Greek tónos tension

Origin of ecotone¹

C20: from eco ( logy) + -tone, from Greek tonos tension, tone

The result is a transition area or ecotone which epitomizes the next stage in development.

This bird of the primary forest and primary-secondary forest ecotone was common at all three principal collecting stations.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse