Anthropogenic biomes: a key contribution to earth-system science

Area of Science:

• Ecology and Environmental Science
• Global Biome Classification
• Human Impact Studies

Background:

• Human activities increasingly dominate ice-free terrestrial environments globally.
• Understanding the extent and nature of human influence on ecosystems is crucial for Earth system science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel classification of human-influenced biomes worldwide.
• To provide a global map detailing these human-influenced biomes.
• To establish a framework for projecting future changes in Earth system dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new biome classification system incorporating human influence.
• Global-scale data synthesis and mapping of terrestrial surface human influence.
• Analysis of biome distribution under anthropogenic pressures.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive classification and global map of human-influenced biomes have been generated.
• The study reveals the pervasive extent of human activities across terrestrial landscapes.
• Identified biomes offer a new perspective on global ecological patterns.

Conclusions:

• The proposed classification and map provide a novel framework for understanding global ecological changes.
• This framework is essential for projecting future Earth system dynamics under continued human influence.
• Accurate mapping of human-influenced biomes is critical for conservation and sustainable land management.