Urban Ecology: Science of Cities

How does nature work in our human-created city suburb and exurb/peri-urb? Indeed how is ecology - including its urban water soil air plant and animal foundations - spatially entwined with this great human enterprise? And how can we improve urban areas for both nature and people? Urban Ecology: Science of Cities explores the entire urban area: from streets lawns and parks to riversides sewer systems and industrial sites. The book presents models patterns and examples from hundreds of cities worldwide. Numerous illustrations enrich the presentation. Cities are analyzed not as ecologically bad or good but as places with concentrated rather than dispersed people. Urban ecology principles traditionally adapted from natural-area ecology now increasingly emerge from the distinctive features of cities. Spatial patterns and flows linking organisms built structures and the physical environment highlight a treasure chest of useful principles. This pioneering interdisciplinary book opens up frontiers of insight as a valuable source and text for undergraduates graduates researchers professionals and others with a thirst for solutions to growing urban problems.