Percolation in ecology

Percolation in ecology describes how organisms or nutrients move through fragmented habitats or environments. Imagine a network of patches—like patches of forest or grassland—connected by pathways. Percolation refers to the threshold at which these pathways form continuous routes, allowing species to disperse, migrate, or spread resources across the landscape. When connectivity is below this threshold, movement is limited; above it, there's a higher chance of organisms successfully crossing the landscape. This concept helps ecologists understand the importance of habitat connectivity for maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems.