Landscape Ecology

Landscape ecology is a field of study focused on the relationship between the physical environment, including landforms, soils, water, air, climate and organisms, and its effect on ecological processes. It seeks to understand how changes to the physical environment, such as deforestation or urbanization, can alter the distribution and abundance of both species and ecological processes such as fire regimes or pollination. By looking at both the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the environment, landscape ecology can help us understand the impacts of human activities on the environment in order to best conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.