What is zonation?

Spatial changes in community structure are referred to as zonation. The biological structure of a community is first constrained by the environmental tolerances of the species (fundamental niche), which are then modified through direct and indirect interactions with other species (realized niche). As we move across the landscape, variations in the phsycal environment alter (ændrer) the nature of both these constrains on species distribution and abundance - giving rise to patterns of zonation