Nature always manages to find its way into our towns and cities because it is resilient and adaptable. Plants and animals can survive in a wide range of habitats, including urban ones. In fact, some species have thrived in cities, and even become dependent on them.
There are several reasons why nature is able to flourish in urban areas. First, cities provide a variety of habitats, from parks and gardens to vacant lots and rooftops. Second, cities are often warmer than surrounding areas, which can create a more favorable environment for plants and animals. Third, cities can provide a steady supply of food and water for wildlife.
When left alone, nature can quickly take over an urban area. This is because plants and animals have a natural tendency to spread and reproduce. For example, weeds can quickly colonize vacant lots and abandoned buildings. Vines can grow up the sides of buildings and trees, and even damage them. And animals, such as rats and pigeons, can multiply rapidly in urban areas, where they find plenty of food and shelter.
While nature in cities can be a positive thing, it can also create problems. For example, weeds can damage property and make it difficult to maintain green spaces. Animals can carry diseases and spread pests. And invasive species can displace native species.
It is important to strike a balance between allowing nature to thrive in cities and managing it to minimize problems. This can be done by creating and maintaining green spaces, planting native plants, and controlling invasive species.
Where in the World?
Night time satellite images show many of the world's cities but only those where electricity widely used because artificial light is the main source of light in cities at night. Cities in developed countries typically have more artificial light than cities in developing countries, which is why they tend to show up more brightly in night time satellite images.
Here are some examples of cities that are clearly visible in night time satellite images:
- New York City, USA
- Tokyo, Japan
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Shanghai, China
- Delhi, India
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Cairo, Egypt
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Sydney, Australia
These cities are all located in countries where electricity is widely used. On the other hand, cities in countries where electricity is not widely used, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, are much less visible in night time satellite images.
Animals
Wild animals such as the red fox have quickly learned to live alongside human beings because they are adaptable creatures. They have learned that humans throw away tasty things, and they have also learned to exploit other aspects of human life, such as our built environment and our food sources.
For example, red foxes often live in urban areas, where they can find food in garbage cans, compost heaps, and pet food bowls. They may also scavenge for food at restaurants and other businesses. Foxes have also been known to break into chicken coops and other livestock enclosures.
In addition to exploiting our food sources, foxes have also learned to use our built environment to their advantage. They may den under buildings or in other sheltered areas, and they may use our roads and sidewalks to travel around.
Foxes are not the only wild animals that have learned to live alongside humans. Other examples include coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, and even bears. These animals have all adapted to human presence in different ways, and they continue to learn new ways to exploit our environment and our resources.
There are a number of reasons why wild animals have learned to live alongside humans. One reason is that we have created a lot of habitat for them. We have cleared forests and grasslands for agriculture and development, which has created new areas for wild animals to live. We have also created new food sources for wild animals, such as garbage cans and pet food bowls.
Another reason why wild animals have learned to live alongside humans is that we have become more tolerant of them. In the past, people were more likely to kill wild animals that came into contact with humans. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation. As a result, people are more likely to tolerate wild animals, even when they come into conflict with them.
While wild animals living alongside humans can have some benefits, such as helping to control pests, it can also lead to problems. For example, wild animals can transmit diseases to humans and pets, and they can also damage property. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with living alongside wild animals and to take steps to mitigate them.
Birds
Birds are a diverse group of animals that can be found all over the world. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny hummingbird to the giant ostrich. Birds play an important role in the environment, helping to control insect populations and pollinate plants.
Many people enjoy feeding birds, and it can be a rewarding experience to watch them visit your yard or feeder. However, some birds, such as seagulls, have become pests in some areas. Seagulls are attracted to human food, and they are not afraid to snatch food from people's hands. They can also be aggressive, and they have been known to attack people and animals.
There are a few reasons why seagulls have become pests. One reason is that they have adapted to living in urban areas. Urban areas provide seagulls with easy access to food and nesting sites. Another reason is that people have been feeding seagulls intentionally and unintentionally. When people feed seagulls, they teach them that humans are a source of food. This can make seagulls more likely to approach humans and beg for food, and it can also make them more aggressive.
Plants
Plants can grow through concrete and heavy paving slabs because of their roots. Plant roots are very strong, and they can exert a lot of pressure. When a root encounters a crack in concrete, it can force its way through. As the root grows, it can widen the crack and eventually cause the concrete to break.
Even a small plant can damage concrete over time. As the plant grows, its roots will spread out and search for water and nutrients. If the roots encounter concrete, they will try to grow around it or through it. If the roots cannot grow around the concrete, they will push against it. This can cause the concrete to crack and break.
The larger the plant, the more damage it can cause. Large trees, in particular, can cause significant damage to concrete foundations and sidewalks. Their roots can grow deep into the ground and exert a lot of force. This can cause the concrete to crack and heave.
In some cases, plants can even cause concrete to collapse. For example, if a tree grows too close to a concrete foundation, its roots can push against the foundation and cause it to crack. Over time, these cracks can become larger and larger, and eventually the foundation can collapse.
City Life
Cities may seem like barren wastelands for wildlife, but in reality, they are home to a wide variety of animals, including birds, insects, and larger animals. These animals have adapted to the unique challenges of urban life, and they play an important role in the city ecosystem.
One of the biggest challenges for urban wildlife is finding food. Cities are full of artificial surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, which don't provide much food for animals. However, many urban animals have found ways to adapt. For example, pigeons and other birds have learned to scavenge for food in garbage cans and on sidewalks. Insects, such as ants and cockroaches, can also find food in urban areas, as they are able to break down organic matter, such as food scraps and dead leaves.
Another challenge for urban wildlife is finding shelter. Cities can be dangerous places for animals, with traffic, pollution, and predators. However, many urban animals have found ways to stay safe. For example, birds often nest in trees and buildings, and insects often live in cracks and crevices in sidewalks and walls. Larger animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, may also find shelter in parks, gardens, and abandoned buildings.
Urban wildlife plays an important role in the city ecosystem. For example, birds help to control insect populations, and insects help to pollinate plants. Larger animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, help to disperse seeds and control rodents. Urban wildlife also provides aesthetic and educational value for city residents.
Current World Population of Human Beings
The current world population of human beings is approximately 8 billion people, according to the United Nations. This number is expected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100.
The population growth is not evenly distributed around the world. Some countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa, are experiencing rapid population growth, while others, such as those in Europe and Japan, are experiencing population decline.