e·co·tone (  k -t n ,  k-)n. A transitional zone between two communities containing the characteristic species of each. [eco- + Greek tonos, tension, tone; see tone.] |
| ecotone (k-tn) 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. |
ecotone
a transitional area or zone between two different forms of vegetation, as between forest and plain. — ecotonal, adj.
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