Tree Designers and Bird Clients

Human redesign of landscapes often leads to dramatic losses. These losses are grossly unfair, with some suffering more than others. The harms are often inversely proportionate to societal power, with nonhuman lifeforms at the worst disadvantage. In response, this article reconsiders design as a communal activity that is not unique to humans. All lifeforms including plants, animals, and bacteria can self-design, affect others, act as niche constructors and ecosystem engineers. Human-driven design can produce huge effects but remains a component within this picture.