Final answer:
The edge effect describes increased biodiversity along habitat borders, where species from adjacent ecosystems converge with those adapted to the conditions of the edge itself, enriching the ecological diversity and affecting ecosystem functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The edge effect refers to the rich diversity of life that occurs along the border between adjacent habitat patches, represented by species from both adjacent patches and species adapted to edge habitats.
In landscape ecology, the concept of the edge effect plays a significant role in understanding biodiversity. This phenomenon occurs at the ecotones, or transitional areas between two different ecosystems, where enhanced conditions for certain species exist, resulting in greater species richness. The creation of edges through disturbances generally increases the biodiversity by attracting edge-adapted species while still supporting species from the adjacent ecosystems.
The diversity at these edges results from a mixture of species from both the adjacent habitats and those that prefer the conditions of the boundary itself. This mixing produces dynamic landscapes that support a high number of species, contributing to the overall richness and complexity of ecosystems. Human land-use patterns that create heterogeneous landscapes, such as agricultural or urban fringe areas, often contribute to this biodiversity as the array of habitats at these interfaces supports various species. Moreover, biodiversity tends to increase ecosystem function and stability through enhanced energy flow and nutrient cycling.