A New Urban Ecology -- Modeling Human Communities as Integral Parts of Ecosystems Poses Special Problems for the Development and Testing of Ecological Theory

This article explores human populations as an ecological force effecting all species and ecosystems. Using cities as representative examples of the most diverse ecological systems - as compared to pristine ecological systems where most ecological research is done -- the authors investigate possible ecosystem modeling approaches that incorporate human activity and behavior. Looking to the National Science Foundations Long-term Ecological Research sites in Baltimore and Phoenix -- an attempt is made to define urban ecology by using similar approaches ecologist once used in trying to understand remote tropical isles. Classical ecological theory is challenged because it does not explain the distribution, abundance and relationships of humans and their environment.

Keywords: Ecology,Ecosystem Management,Philosophy,Social Issues,Urban Planning

Pages: 10

Publisher: American Scientist

Category: Social Issues

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