Building Cities and Sustaining Nature; The Emergence of Urban Ecology in the U.S.
Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Lowman, Margaret
Keywords
Urban Ecology, Urban Nature, Urban Environment
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
This thesis explores the emerging discipline of urban ecology as a crossdisciplinary area of research focused on investigating the integrated nature of ecological and social patterns and processes in growing metropolitan areas. I trace the evolution of the field of urban ecology, beginning with an analysis of our historical human-nature interactions and touching on important writers and thinkers who have informed our interactions with nature, as well as developments such as urbanization and the national and urban parks movements. Early attempts to understand human influence in urban nature are also analyzed. Building on this foundation, I apply the urban ecological paradigm to the idea of urban biodiversity, discussing the specific nature of reciprocal influence in urban ecology. This thesis creates a framework of for understanding cities through a paradigm addressing human influence in the urban ecological system. I provide insight into the ways traditional ecologies are transformed and changed when placed in an urban context. My conclusion suggests relationships of the study of urban ecology to sustainability issues and management of the urban ecosystem.
Recommended Citation
Scribner, Sallie, "Building Cities and Sustaining Nature; The Emergence of Urban Ecology in the U.S." (2007). Theses & ETDs. 3857.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3857
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.