Urban ecology is a multidisciplinary field that investigates the interactions between humans, plants, animals, and their environment in urban areas. It explores the ecological processes, patterns, and dynamics within cities, focusing on both natural and built environments.

Cities are complex systems that impose unique challenges and opportunities for the study of ecology. Urban areas can drastically transform natural landscapes, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation, altered hydrology, increased pollution, and changes in biodiversity. However, they also provide a novel context for the study of ecological processes, as human activities and infrastructure create new habitats and alter ecological dynamics.

Urban ecologists study the biodiversity and ecology of cities, comparing them to their natural counterparts. They examine how urbanization influences species composition and abundance, ecosystem functions, and ecological interactions. For example, they investigate how species adapt to urban environments, such as birds nesting on buildings or plants adapting to paved surfaces.

Understanding urban ecology is crucial for addressing environmental and social challenges in cities. It informs urban planning, ecosystem management, and conservation efforts, aiming to enhance urban sustainability, resilience, and human well-being. By incorporating ecological principles into urban design, such as creating urban green spaces, promoting biodiversity-friendly infrastructure, and improving air and water quality, cities can become more livable and ecologically sustainable.