| aidemia--modules-essaywrite_request | Write an essay |
| What topic | 1.1 Investigate a topic relevant to your Diploma title, making a choice about primary research method(s). Justify choice of primary research methods used |
| Which subject | Biology |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| How many pages | 3 |
| Add references | |
| Any other preferences |
Urbanisation, the process by which cities grow and expand, significantly impacts the environment and the biodiversity of ecosystems. The rapid conversion of natural landscapes for residential, commercial, and infrastructural purposes often leads to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and a decline in species diversity. This essay will investigate the effects of urbanisation on local biodiversity, focusing specifically on how urban expansion influences species composition and abundance in a selected area. The primary research methods chosen for this study will include field surveys and semi-structured interviews with local ecologists and conservationists. This choice is justified based on the need for direct data collection and human insights into the phenomenon being studied.
Field surveys will be the primary method employed in this research. This quantitative data collection method involves systematic observation and recording of local flora and fauna within urbanised and non-urbanised areas. The selection of field surveys is justified for several reasons:
Direct Observation: Field surveys allow researchers to directly observe and assess species presence and abundance in their natural habitat. This can provide a wealth of information regarding the composition of ecosystems both before and after urbanisation.
Comparative Analysis: By comparing the biodiversity of urban areas to that of surrounding, less developed regions, this method enables researchers to draw meaningful conclusions about how urbanisation affects local wildlife. This comparative approach is essential for understanding the impacts on species richness and ecosystem health.
Temporal Data: Conducting field surveys over a period of time can provide insights into the changes in biodiversity as urbanisation progresses. Longitudinal data is valuable for understanding trends and establishing causation.
In implementing this method, specific parameters will be established, including the selection of survey sites, frequency and timing of surveys, and the criteria for species identification and recording.
In addition to field surveys, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with local ecologists and conservationists who have expertise in urban ecology. This qualitative data collection method involves asking open-ended questions, allowing respondents to share their knowledge and perspectives freely. The justification for employing semi-structured interviews includes:
Rich Qualitative Data: This method captures nuanced information that quantitative methods may overlook. Perspectives from local experts can enhance understanding of species interactions, the challenges wildlife face in urban settings, and conservation efforts currently being made.
Contextual Understanding: Interviews provide contextual depth regarding the historical and social dimensions of urbanisation. Experts can explain how historical land use has shaped current biodiversity patterns.
Flexibility: Semi-structured interviews allow for adaptation based on the flow of conversation. This flexibility can lead to the discovery of unexpected insights that can enrich the research findings.
For the interviews, a set of guiding questions will be formulated, covering topics such as observed changes in biodiversity, the impact of urban policies, and recommendations for conservation action. These interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically to extract key findings relevant to the study.
Investigating the effects of urbanisation on local biodiversity is crucial in understanding the interplay between human development and ecological health. The combination of field surveys and semi-structured interviews offers a comprehensive approach to studying these impacts. Field surveys provide direct, quantitative evidence of biodiversity changes, while interviews supply contextual understanding and expert insights. Together, these methods will facilitate a well-rounded exploration of how urbanisation shapes local ecosystems, ultimately supporting future conservation efforts.
McKinney, M. L. (2002). Urbanization, Biodiversity, and Conservation. BioScience, 52(10), 883-890. DOI: 10.1641/0006-3568(2002)052[0883:UBAC]2.0.CO;2
Grimm, N. B., et al. (2008). Global Change and the Ecology of Cities. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 6(10), 564-572. DOI: 10.1890/070151
Australia State of the Environment Committee. (2016). Australia State of the Environment 2016: Biodiversity. Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Government.
Colding, J., & Barthel, S. (2013). The Role of Urban Green Commons in the Urban Ecosystem Services. Urban Ecosystems, 16(3), 503-532. DOI: 10.1007/s11252-013-0288-9
Coreau, A., et al. (2009). The Role of Urban Areas as Biodiversity Hotspots: The Case of Glacial Rebound and Urbanisation in Southern Chile. Biodiversity and Conservation, 18(8), 1967-1980. DOI: 10.1007/s10531-009-9610-3
Tzoulas, K., et al. (2007). Promoting Ecosystem and Human Health in Urban Areas Using Green Infrastructure: A Literature Review. Landscape and Urban Planning, 81(3), 167-178. DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2007.02.002