Gradients and Ecotones in Ecosystems

In this entry, we describe the significance of ecological gradients of energy, matter and information distributions in ecosystems. Gradients should be seen as most essential driving powers behind all structures and activities taking place in ecosystems. We start with a general introduction into the topic, provide some basic definitions, and outline the general role of gradients in ecosystem analysis and ecosystem theory. Thereafter, different types of ecosystem gradients are distinguished and the suitability of the gradient comprehension as a common currency for understanding and proving ecosystem theories is discussed. Ecotones are introduced as places of special gradient emergence localized at the boundaries between ecosystems, before we end with a short concluding discussion.