Ecological gradients refer to continuous changes in environmental conditions across a geographic area, which can influence the distribution and abundance of species and ecosystems. These gradients can include factors such as temperature, precipitation, elevation, soil type, and vegetation cover, among others. Research in ecological gradients focuses on understanding how these environmental changes impact biodiversity, species interactions, and ecosystem functioning. By studying ecological gradients, researchers can gain insights into the processes driving the distribution and adaptation of organisms in different environments, as well as how these systems respond to environmental change.