Urban ecology

Urban ecology is the scientific study of the relation of living organisms with each other and their surroundings in the context of an urban environment. The urban environment refers to environments dominated by high-density residential and commercial buildings, paved surfaces, and other urban-related factors that create a unique landscape dissimilar from most previously studied environments in the field of ecology.

Overview

Urban ecology is a recent field of study compared to ecology as a whole. The methods and studies of urban ecology are similar to and comprise a subset of ecology. The study of urban ecology carries increasing importance because more than 50% of the world's population today lives in urban areas. At the same time, urban areas are increasing in size and population. Urban ecology provides a framework for studying the complex relationships of living organisms with their urban environment and helps guide us towards more sustainable development practices.

History

The creation of an urban environment disrupts the equilibrium of native flora and fauna in the area. Humans often influence the populations of species in urban areas, including the destruction of habitats. The study of urban ecology seeks to answer how to promote biodiversity and healthy ecosystems in areas that are densely populated by humans.

Urbanization

Urbanization describes the process of cities' formation due to industrialization. The rapid and exponential growth of cities follows the exponential growth of population. Urban sprawl, the expansion of urban areas, takes its toll on the environment while also causing other problems for people living in rural areas.

Biodiversity

Urban areas present a variety of habitats for organisms. Urban areas are favorable environments for birds, bats, small mammals, and insects. Native species have a hard time adapting to a human-made environment, which is why non-native species can thrive in urban areas.

Human impact

Humans have a significant impact on urban ecosystems and biodiversity. Through urbanization, humans create a unique environment that is unlike any natural ecosystem. Humans are also the primary source of all pollution in urban areas, which significantly affects all aspects of urban life.

See also

• Ecology
• Urbanization
• Biodiversity
• Human impact on the environment

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