Question

Can we call Street an independent ecosystem?

Answer 1

Environment > Nature

Street lighting is changing insect ecosystems, study claims

The Independent

Street lighting is changing insect ecosystems in towns and cities, a study has found.

Groups of invertebrates living near artificial lights include more predators and scavengers, say researchers.

The effect could be impacting the survival rates of different species, with long-term consequences for birds and mammals that rely on them for food.

Answer 2

Street lighting is changing insect ecosystems in towns and cities, a study has found.

Groups of invertebrates living near artificial lights include more predators and scavengers, say researchers.

The effect could be impacting the survival rates of different species, with long-term consequences for birds and mammals that rely on them for food.

Scientists conducted the study in the market town of Helston, west Cornwall.

Pitfall traps were placed under and between street lamps that were 35 metres apart for a number of days and nights.

In total, 1,194 animals were collected covering 60 species.

Total numbers were more abundant under street lights, where there were more predatory and scavenging species such as ground beetles and harvestmen.