What is landscape ecology?
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Before we tell you what landscape ecology is, think for yourself about what it might be. |
To date there is no all-encompassing standard definition of landscape ecology. Some of the many descriptions of landscape ecology are listed below.
- 'Landscape ecology is a interdisciplinary subject between geography, biology and human geography' (Vink, 1983).
- 'Landscape ecology explores how a heterogeneous combination of ecosystems eg woods, meadows, marshes, corridors and villages - is structured, functions and changes' (Forman and Godron, 1986).
- Landscape ecology focuses on the way processes interact and provides a set of underlying principles for understanding the human impact on the environment (Haines-Young et al., 1993).
- Landscape ecology deals with the spatial arrangement of features (Noss, 1983).
- Landscape ecology is concerned with the dynamics of spatial heterogeneity and can help maintain biodiversity through its understanding of the structure and function of landscapes and how they are influenced by human activity over time (Bridgewater, 1993).
- Landscape ecology provides an understanding in landscape patterns and processes which is needed for effective land use planning and management and to ensure conservation.
- Landscape ecology is important because there is a need to look at the complexity within landscapes and not single isolated elements.
- Landscape ecology aims to solve real world environmental problems and aid in conservation.
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How do these descriptions fit with your earlier ideas about landscape ecology? |
