Introduction Developments in human social, economic, and cultural life are highly dependent on the changing geographical landscapes around them. Landscapes that range from hunting grounds to port cities to aesthetic values are all fundamental components of the human-ecological relationship. This article will delve into the many facets of this interdependent relationship, exploring how biophysical landscapes shape human landscapes while also discussing how humans are constantly reshaping their environment to suit their needs. Hunting Grounds One of the most immediate ways human society is shaped by its environment is through the tradition of hunting. Hunting grounds have long been focal points of human life, with essential parts of specific cultures – such as the Australian Aborigines, for example – revolving around the practice.1 Hunting grounds are often located in areas that are abundant with resources, providing a steady supply of sustenance for those who rely on them.2 Not only do the resources of the landscape shape the hunting grounds, but the geography of the area also plays an important role in the success of the hunt.3 Wind direction, terrain, and even the time of day can be exploited to the hunter’s advantage, allowing him/her to silently approach prey and increase their chances of a successful hunt.4 Even if the hunter does not rely upon the resources of the landscape, the physical features offered by the environment can serve as an invaluable tool. Port Cities The development of port cities is another example of the intertwining of physical geography and human development. With waterways providing access to vast areas of the world, port cities have become hubs of trade and transportation. In areas of Europe and the Mediterranean, for example, the Mediterranean Sea has allowed for the formation and growth of various port cities along its coastline.5 Port cities also dominate the landscape of large bodies of water such as oceans and seas, providing transport and access to places that would otherwise be inaccessible by land travel. Such cities serve an important role in the development of human societies. They allow for the spread of ideas and cultures between distant lands, while also providing a platform for trade between two continents.6 Aesthetic Values The aesthetic values linked to nature, however, provide an equally important role in the relationship between the human and the ecological.7 The importance of nature to the human experience is reflected in its presence – or lack thereof – in popular culture,8 as well as its integration into our daily lives. From the sublime panoramas of lakes and mountains, to the serene beauty of a calm sunset, nature provides us with an almost innumerable realm of aesthetic beauty. Not only do these aesthetic values exist independently of mankind, but they can also be influenced by it. Man-made structures like roads, bridges, and buildings have become some of the most iconic images of our natural landscape,9 and can often be seen as an example of how our environment can be shaped to the human desire for beauty. Conclusion The relationship between ecological and social landscapes is a complex one, filled with many layers of influence and development. From hunting grounds and port cities to the aesthetic value of nature, the influences of the environment on the evolution of human life is omnipresent. This article has explored the various roles of biophysical landscapes in the development of human society, and how, in turn, humans are manipulating and shaping their environment for their own benefit. It is clear that the relationship between humans and the environment is a complex one and, as this article hopes to have demonstrated, one that is highly interdependent.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/in-borneos-rainforests-people-and-wild-pigs-are-fundamentally-linked
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