Which of the following statements is not correct regarding an ecotone?...
- An ecotone is a zone of junction or a transition area between two biomes (diverse ecosystems). Ecotone is the zone where two communities meet and integrate. For e.g. the mangrove forests represent an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystem.
- Other examples are grassland (between forest and desert), estuary (between fresh water and salt water) and riverbank or marshland (between dry and wet). Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
- It may be narrow (between grassland and forest) or wide (between forest and desert).
- It has conditions intermediate to the adjacent ecosystems. Hence it is a zone of tension.
- Usually, the number and the population density of the species of an outgoing community decreases as we move away from the community or ecosystem.
- A well-developed ecotone contains some organisms which are entirely different from that of the adjoining communities.
- Ecotone regions like mangroves, wetlands, estuaries etc have far greater productivity than natural ecosystem like a forest ecosystem, ocean ecosystem, pond ecosystem, riverine ecosystem etc.
- This is because of the wide-ranging species from the adjacent ecosystem being present in the ecotone.
- Edge effect:
- Edge effect refers to the changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats (ecotone).
- Sometimes the number of species and the population density of some of the species in the ecotone is much greater than either community. This is called edge effect.
- The organisms which occur primarily or most abundantly in this zone are known as edge species. In the terrestrial ecosystems edge effect is especially applicable to birds. For example, the density of birds is greater in the ecotone between the forest and the desert
Which of the following statements is not correct regarding an ecotone?...
The correct answer is option 'B': A grassland is an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Explanation:
An ecotone is a transitional zone where two different ecosystems or communities meet and integrate. It is a region of transition between two distinct ecological communities, and it may have unique characteristics and species that are different from the adjacent ecosystems. However, option 'B' incorrectly states that a grassland is an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This statement is not correct because a grassland is a specific type of terrestrial ecosystem and does not serve as a transition zone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
To further understand why option 'B' is incorrect, let's break down the statements in the other options and explain their accuracy:
a) It is the zone where two communities meet and integrate.
This statement is correct. An ecotone is indeed the zone where two communities or ecosystems meet and interact. It is a region of transition between the two communities.
b) A grassland is an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
This statement is incorrect. A grassland is a type of terrestrial ecosystem characterized by the dominance of grasses and herbaceous plants. It does not serve as a transition zone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
c) It has far greater productivity than an individual natural ecosystem.
This statement is correct. Ecotones often have greater productivity than the adjacent ecosystems because they benefit from the resources and species from both communities. The mixing of species and resources in the ecotone can lead to increased productivity and biodiversity.
d) Changes in population or community structures are observed in this region.
This statement is correct. Ecotones are dynamic regions where changes in population and community structures can be observed. The mixing of species from two different communities can lead to competition, predation, and other ecological interactions that can shape the population and community structures in the ecotone.
In conclusion, the statement that is not correct regarding an ecotone is option 'B', which incorrectly states that a grassland is an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems.