The correct answer is C. ecotone.
An ecotone is a transitional area between two or more distinct ecosystems. It is a zone of contact and interaction between two communities or ecosystems. Ecotones are often characterized by a high degree of biodiversity, as they provide a habitat for a variety of species that are adapted to the unique conditions of the ecotone.
Ecological niche is the role and position of an organism within its environment. It includes the physical and biological factors that affect the organism’s survival and reproduction.
Ecological footprint is the area of land required to support a person’s lifestyle. It includes the land used to produce the food, water, and other resources that the person consumes, as well as the land used to absorb the waste that the person produces.
Shore effect is the change in the physical and chemical properties of water near the shore. It is caused by the interaction of waves, tides, and currents with the land.