The definition, delineation, and history of ecoregions are intertwined. For the sake of brevity, an ecoregion is defined herein as a land area that varies in size from a few hectares to thousands of square kilometers and has a unified climate, geology, topography, soil, potential natural vegetation, and predominant land use (for examples, see Figures E7–9). These regions can be recognized from satellite imagery, from an airplane window as one flies across the country, or through a car window during a drive through the countryside. Some regions are relatively homogeneous, such as those formed under glacial lakes, seas, or continental glaciers; others may be quite heterogeneous, especially regions that incorporate mountains, valleys and floodplain rivers. For many of the same reasons as apply to ecosystems, there is disagreement over the definition and delineation of ecoregions. These differences stem from the difficulty of transforming a concept into a useful ecological tool, a desire...
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Hughes, R.M., Omernik, J.M. (1999). Ecological regions (ecoregions). In: Environmental Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4494-1_93
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