The Application of the Ecological Gradient Paradigm to the Study of Urban Effects

摘要: Urban areas are clearly highly polluted and ecologically altered (Stearns Montag 1974; Graedel Crutzen 1989; Berry 1990). Therefore, critical ecosystem processes structures should be greatly affected in urban natural (Airola Buchholz 1984; Cwikowa et al. Loeb 1987; White McDonnell 1988; Rudnicky 1989). For a variety of conceptual methodological reasons (see Pickett, Chapter 1, this volume; Egerton, 2, volume), North American ecologists have historically neglected the study ecological systems embedded environments (Cairns 1987, Ludwig Ecologists traditionally attempted to understand relationship between pattern process prodigious assortment other modified systems. Urbanization, with its human modification landscape associated environmental degradation, provides “new” unique which extend knowledge gained from The application well-established successful “gradient paradigm” populations, communities, ecosystems that occur along urban-rural land-use gradients context for addressing both basic questions issues. purpose chapter is to: 1) develop greater detail concept (McDonnell Pickett 1990); 2) illustrate forests New York City metropolitan region.