The overlapping area between two major plant dominated ecosystems is a
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is ecotone.
An ecotone is a transitional area between two major plant-dominated ecosystems. It is a zone where two ecosystems meet and interact, forming a distinct boundary that can have characteristics of both ecosystems. For instance, the ecotone between a forest and a grassland would include species and environmental conditions typical of both ecosystems, such as different plant species, moisture levels, and types of soil.
Ecotones are important because they often support a rich diversity of species, more so than the ecosystems on either side of them. This is due to the fact that they provide a variety of resources and conditions that attract species from both ecosystems. Ecotones can be naturally occurring, like the border between a forest and a wetland, or they can be influenced by human activities, such as agricultural practices or urbanization.
In addition to supporting a high biodiversity, ecotones can play a significant role in ecological processes. They may act as corridors for wildlife movement or as areas for the exchange of nutrients between ecosystems. The changes in environmental conditions across the ecotone can also influence the dynamics of the ecosystems on either side, such as affecting the distribution and behavior of plant and animal species.
However, ecotones can also be sensitive to environmental changes, such as climate change or habitat destruction. This can alter the species composition of the area and, in extreme cases, lead to the loss of biodiversity. Therefore, the study of ecotones is essential for understanding the broader ecological health of landscapes.