Edge effects (ecology)

250px|thumb|Okefenokee swamp

In ecology, edge effects are changes in population or community structures that occur at the border of two or more places of living. As the edge effects get bigger, there is greater biodiversity in the habitat at the border.

 Types 
 Permanent – the border location doesn't change with natural features.
 Gotten – some natural disasters (e.g., fire or flood) or human activities, subject borders to straight changes over time.
 Narrow – one habitat ends and another begins immidiately (e.g., an agricultural field).
 Wide (ecotone) – a large distance separates the borders of two clearly defined habitats based on their physical conditions, and in between there exists a large transition region.
 Complex – the border is chaotic.
 Holes – the border has gaps where other habitats exist.

Height can create borders between patches as well.Smith T.M. & R.L. 2009. Elements of ecology, p391–411.

 Biodiversity 
Some plants and animals can be active on habitat borders because of environmental conditions. Larger patches allow more individuals and biodiversity becomes bigger. When the plants get more light, there are more types and different sizes. After it is possible to live for herbivorous insects, then birds some bigger animals.  

There are three important factors:   
 Abiotic effect (changes in the environment);   
 Direct biological effects (the diversity of species reduces because of physical conditions near the edge);
Indirect biological effects (changes in species interactions).

 Human effects 
Human activity creates edges through development and agriculture. Often, the changes are harmful to the size of the habitat and to species. Examples of human impacts:

 Using of invasives/exotics;
 A number of fires;
 Pets acting as predators;
 Pollutions;
 Loss of foraging habitats;
 Habitat fragmentation.

 References 

 Related pages 
Rock pool

Category:Ecology