Urbanization is transforming the face of the earth, where natural habitat is converted to habitat dominated by human activities. How does biodiversity respond to such land-use change? iEcoLab graduate student Timothy Swartz is aiming to find out. This summer with his field crew (Spencer Williams and Rachel Lewandoski), Timothy has surveyed many locations across the city of Philadelphia for birds. His surveys have taken him deep within heavily wooded areas in the city such as the large and historic Fairmont and Wissahickon parks, in small vacant lots that have been abandoned, and to major Philadelphia attractions such as the art museum. His work will provide a vital understanding of how biodiversity in general, and Philadelphia in particular, respond to urbanization.
