What makes LANDSCAPE ecology different?
Landscape ecology differs from standard ecology because it is concerned with the spatial arrangements of landscape elements and the flows and processes that take place between them.
Standard ecology focuses on the species level looking at the interactions between a species and its habitat within a small area. Landscape ecology focuses on the whole landscape level.
Landscape ecology 'considers the development and dynamics of spatial heterogeneity, spatial and temporal interactions and exchanges across heterogeneous landscapes, influences of spatial heterogeneity on biotic and abiotic processes and management of spatial heterogeneity' (Bridgewater, 1993).
Landscape ecology puts standard ecology into a spatial context. It also bridges the gap between standard bioecology and human ecology, by studying human interactions with nature. Therefore, it is a very useful discipline for environmental scientists to be familiar with, especially if they are involved in conservation of biodiversity and ensuring that healthy ecosystems are maintained.
