User:Jthornhill16/New sandbox

This is where I will be writing my draft. I decided to rewrite the entire wikipedia page, and also expand it, because all its content is plagiarized.

https://search.creativecommons.org

SYNURBIZATION

"Synurbization – adaptation of animal wildlife to urban development. Term created by theriologists – ecologists. It denotes an adjustment animal populations to specific conditions of the urban environment, in the connection with regular existence there in the wild state. The term is not applied to individual animals which have come to an urban area accidentally and which live there for limiter time. Synurbization is related to two other terms used in the field : synanthropization (refers to the adaptation of animal populations to human – created conditions in general )and urbanization (refers to changes in landscape coursed by urban development)." THIS IS WHAT THE PAGE CURRENTLY SAYS (NEEDS CITATIONS)

Changes in behaviour, such as nesting changes.

Synurbization refers to the effects of urbanization on the adaptation of wildlife, and how animals which live in urban environments versus nature environments differ . Urbanization, in terms of ecology, are the developmental changes which are made to the environment; these changes are often in benefit to humans. When applying synurbization to circumstances of urbanization in which the species have adapted, it must be mentioned that it does not occur on accident . The animals which are making adaptations to the change in environment are often only because of urban expansion into their current environments, e.g. the expansion of cities removing forested areas which inhabited species such as birds. Due to urbanization, synuribzation is occurring; changes in behaviour are required for their survival, those species which better adapt and have favourable variations in traits while ultimately have the higher fitness (find a article to support this). However, while some of the behavioural adaptations are favourable for the species, consequences stem from the urbanization and impact these species. In some cases, even humans are victims to these consequences.

Changes in behaviour

When compared to species that live in natural environments, the differences between those species and the urbanized species is clear . These adaptational changes in behaviour have been labeled as "urban wildlife syndrome" since the changes in one species is not exclusive to that one species, instead, it has been visible over multiple species.

Various changes in behaviour have been documented in many species which are victim to the urban expansion into their habitats. Some of these studies include:

• Population density increase- Including the correlation between other variables, such as aggression and wariness, there have been multiple studies which show a population density increase. Population density is the population number in one unit of area at a given time. The increase in population density has been highly correlated with the reduction in species wariness, as well as their intra-specie aggression. As population density increases, wariness of humans decreases- this is known as a negative correlation. As population density increases, intra-specific aggression increases- this is known as a positive correlation. Park spaces in urbanized spaces may contribute to this population density increase. These parks allow for species to mate, and access and be fed food by humans, with little to no predation.
• Decreased wariness- Wariness is the observable fear that animals explicit when encountering humans- they may be startled or retreat from the situation rapidly. Based from previous research, it is hypothesized that population density is the main influence on this behavioural change. While coexisting with humans, overtime, it is logical that animals would become accustomed to the presence of humans. However, not only are these animals less startled by humans, but they also are willing to physically interact with, and approach humans. This tameness is a result from the willingness of humans to feed these animals; easy access to food results in a change from their natural behaviour which occurs in rural animal populations.
• Increased intra-specific aggression- Intra-specific aggression is the aggression toward members of their own species. Similar to reduced wariness, the increase in intra-specific aggression is hypothesized to be the result of the increase in population density. Having more members of a species in a smaller unit area, all whilst still competing for the same resources is likely to have the outcome of higher aggression levels.
• Increased lifespan- animals living in urbanized populations are on average living substantially longer than their rural species populations. This is due to many factors such as:
  • Reduced migrations- The climate conditions and access to food seasonally has reduced the need for migratory species to leave during the colder seasons. Migratory species also face dangerous conditions and require high energy levels to endue a migration; without this need, the animals are being more safe and saving themselves time, and energy be remaining sedentary.
  • Longer breeding season- The sedentary lifestyle from the reduction of migration, as well as the preferential climate, allows the animals to breed for much longer periods of time compared to the rural populations.
  • Access to food- Since these animals live in urban areas, they encounter humans daily. Whether these are humans in a public park, a street, or even their own backyard; where there is a human, there is likely food. The reduction of wariness is favourable to animals in this sense because they can approach people in parks or the streets, and as a result gain food in return. Many people also have feeders in their backyard; another way for animals to easily access foodFavourable conditions- easier access to food, an abundance of sheltered areas, low predation, and favourable climates.

Squirrel having easy access to food due to humans having feeders for the wildlife.

• Change in the circadian rythme- This is hypothesized to be because of artificial lighting. Artificial lighting comes from street lights, cars, homes, and large signs.
• Change in nesting habits- In birds specifically, those which live in urban environments use much different nesting materials than their counter rural populations. Birds in rural areas use materials such as twigs, grass, moss, and other naturally occurring materials for their nests, whereas urbanized birds have less access to these types of materials and have had to adapt to using other materials. Instead of nesting in trees, they can find shelter in the infrastructure of buildings and bridges, and public parks .

Consequences of urban development

Don't think I will include this in my first draft since it isn't actually animal behaviour, might finish this on my free time.

One of the main consequences of urban development on animal species is the habitat destruction. (find articles to support this) Due to the ever-growing expansion of urban development

-"decrease in its species and ecological diversity"

-changes in behaviour (e.g. tameness, increased intra-specific aggression , or reduced fear

-effects on humans (e.g animals may bring disease, harm domesticated animals, cause mess from scavenging, animals may be injured by cars or other urban characteristics) (find articles to support this)

-pollution