Introduction

Much urban ecology to date has focused on the ecology of individual cities and towns, with limited comparison or synthesis of results. However, comparative studies between cities and between taxonomic groups are needed to improve our understanding of the structure and function of urban ecosystems, and to identify general principles such as patterns of biodiversity loss or changes to soil processes following urbanisation. The Melbourne Urban Ecology Workshop on the comparative ecology of cities and towns brought together researchers representing a diversity of continents, disciplinary backgrounds and approaches, with the aim of developing a conceptual and practical framework for comparative urban ecology. This broad mix of cultures and perspectives made for a very stimulating workshop, but on occasion it also led to some confusion and disagreement. I have based my summary on four themes that emerged from the workshop; definitions, diversity, tools and approaches, and identifying the common elements of cities and towns. I have also included an example of a comparative, urban ecological study using tools and approaches presented during the workshop in conjunction with established ecological theory.