Landscape ecology is the study of spatial variation in landscapes at a variety of scales.
It includes the biophysical and societal causes and consequences of landscape heterogeneity. Above all, it is broadly interdisciplinary. The conceptual and theoretical core of landscape ecology links natural sciences with related human disciplines. Throughout the world, landscapes are being altered more rapidly, more extensively, and more profoundly than at any point in human history. Comprehensive land use planning and sound land use policy are still the exception, but should become the rule.