Urban Models Based on Human Ecology

The question asks to identify the urban model based on the study of human ecology. Human ecology examines the relationships between humans and their environments, including social, cultural, and built environments, often using ecological concepts like competition and adaptation.

Concentric Zone Model Explained

Burgess and Park's concentric zone model is directly rooted in human ecology principles. Developed in the 1920s, this model views the city as an ecological community. Burgess and Park applied concepts from biology and sociology to explain how cities grow and develop in concentric rings or zones.

• Ecological Concepts: The model uses ideas like invasion, succession, competition, and segregation to explain the spatial distribution of different social groups and land uses within the city.
• Zone Dynamics: It suggests that different social and economic groups compete for space, leading to distinct zones (e.g., Central Business District, zone of transition, zone of workingmen's homes, residential zone, commuter zone) radiating outwards from the city center.
• Human Ecology Link: This perspective treats the city as an ecosystem where social interactions and environmental factors shape the urban structure, aligning perfectly with the study of human ecology.

Other Models Considered

The other models listed are based on different theoretical frameworks:

• Weber's location model: Primarily focuses on the economic factors influencing the location of industries.
• Haggerstrand's innovation diffusion model: Focuses on the spatial and temporal spread of innovations.
• Zelinsky's mobility transition model: Deals with changes in migration and mobility patterns over time, linked to demographic transitions.

Therefore, Burgess and Park's model is the one most directly based on the principles of human ecology.