Urban ecology - Definition and Overview

Urban ecology is the subfield of ecology which deals with the interaction of plants, animals and humans with each other and with their environment in urban or urbanizing settings. Analysis urban settings in the context of ecosystem ecology (looking at the cycling of matter and the flow of enery through the system) can result in healthier, better managed communites. Studying the factors which allow wild plants and animals which survive (and sometimes thrive) in built environments can also create more livable spaces.

Urban ecology also involves the study of the effects of urban development patterns on ecological conditions. Emphasis is also placed on planning communities with environmental sustainable design to promote a healthy and biodiverse urban ecosystem.