Learn about urban ecology with interactive simulations and visualizations. Explore city ecosystems, biodiversity in urban environments, and sustainable urban planning.
Urban ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their urban environment. It encompasses the study of urban ecosystems, biodiversity in cities, and the integration of ecological principles into urban planning and design.
Stormwater Reduction: 0 m³
Energy Savings: 0 kWh
CO2 Sequestration: 0 kg
Air Quality Improvement: 0 kg
Carbon Storage: 0 kg
Cooling Effect: 0 kWh
Shannon Index: 0.000
Simpson Index: 0.000
Evenness: 0.000
Urban Ecology: Focuses specifically on ecological processes within urban environments and human-dominated landscapes.
Landscape Ecology: Studies spatial patterns and ecological processes across broader landscapes, including natural and semi-natural areas.
Urban Ecology: Studies how ecological systems function within urban environments and how to integrate nature into cities.
Conservation Biology: Focuses on protecting biodiversity in natural habitats and preventing species extinctions.
Urban Ecology: Applies ecological science to understand and design urban environments.
Environmental Planning: Broader field that includes policy, zoning, and regulatory frameworks for environmental protection.
Problem: Design a green infrastructure network for a 10 km² urban area to maximize ecological connectivity.
Scenario: The area has 40% built-up space, 20% roads, 15% parks, 10% water bodies, and 15% vacant lots. The goal is to create a connected network of green spaces.
Task: Calculate the optimal green space ratio and connectivity index to support urban biodiversity.
An optimal green space ratio of 30-40% with a connectivity index of 60-70% would support diverse urban wildlife while providing ecosystem services. Linear green corridors connecting larger patches would enhance connectivity.
Problem: Calculate the potential temperature reduction from increasing urban green cover.
Scenario: A city district currently has 15% green cover and experiences 3°C higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. The goal is to reduce the heat island effect.
Task: Determine the green cover percentage needed to reduce temperatures by 2°C.
Increasing green cover to 35-40% could reduce temperatures by 1.5-2°C. This requires strategic placement of trees, green roofs, and parks, with emphasis on areas with highest heat exposure.
Problem: Assess biodiversity in different urban habitat types.
Scenario: A city has parks, street trees, green roofs, community gardens, and vacant lots. Each habitat type supports different species communities.
Task: Compare biodiversity indices across habitat types and recommend priorities for conservation.
Community gardens and parks typically have highest biodiversity due to diverse plantings and management practices. Green roofs provide stepping stones for mobile species. A network approach integrating all habitat types maximizes urban biodiversity.
Hover to see benefits
Hover to see management
Hover to see diversity
Hover to see connectivity