Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that parks with native trees attract 30% more bird species than those with exotic plants. However, the key factor isn't just the number of trees, but their diversity. Researchers monitored 12 parks over two years. They discovered that parks with a mix of tall and short vegetation, along with water features, supported the highest insect populations. Interestingly, the size of the park mattered less than the variety of habitats. For example, a small park with a pond and dense shrubs outperformed a larger, uniform lawn area. So, for city planners, creating layered landscapes is more effective than simply increasing the total green space.