Abstract
Ecological geography, a crucial interdisciplinary branch of geography and ecology, primarily focuses on the interactions and patterns between ecosystems and environmental factors in geographical spaces. This paper first reviews the theoretical foundation and historical development of ecological geography, emphasizing the evolution of its research paradigms. It systematically summarizes the main research topics and hotspots in the field, including the spatial distribution and dynamic changes of ecosystems, interaction mechanisms between ecological processes and geographical patterns, the impacts of human activities on ecosystems, and ecological responses and adaptations under global change. Furthermore, it outlines the core research methods and technological advancements in ecological geography, particularly the applications of remote sensing, geographic information systems, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and multi-perspective simulation methods. Finally, the paper explores ecological geography’s practical applications and future directions, such as biodiversity conservation, land use optimization, climate change mitigation, and ecological restoration strategies. This paper aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for researchers in the field of ecological geography and to offer scientific foundations and research prospects for its continued development.
