The Process of Plant Colonization in Small Settlements and Large Cities

Abstract

Some authors consider cities as ecosystems of a singular type (Meier 1976; Halffter et al. 1977). Their climate generally differs from that of the surrounding areas (Landsberg 1981; Miess 1979) and their functioning differs from natural processes (Wolman 1965). Humans are accompanied by a rich urban flora and fauna, composed mainly of species introduced voluntarily, such as ornamental and utilitarian plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and other taxa, or involuntarily, such as weeds, pathogens, and animal pests. Other anthropophilous native vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants can be added to the list. The anthropization process involves a series of adaptations to peculiarities of rural and urban environments (Falifiski 1968; Trojan 1982; Kowarik 1990).