Outdoor seating in urban environments, such as park benches, café tables, and public plazas, may seem inconsequential to the microscopic world. However, these structures can significantly alter the microhabitats of tiny organisms like gastrotrichs—microscopic, aquatic invertebrates often overlooked in urban ecology.

Gastrotrichs thrive in moist environments, such as soil, leaf litter, and water films on surfaces. The introduction of outdoor seating disrupts these microhabitats by altering moisture levels, shading patterns, and substrate composition. For instance, benches can block rainfall, creating dry patches unsuitable for gastrotrich survival, while metal or plastic surfaces may retain heat, further desiccating their habitats. Conversely, seating with porous materials (e.g., wood) might retain moisture, offering refuge.

Urbanization already pressures microfauna, and outdoor seating adds another layer of complexity. By studying these interactions, researchers can better understand how human infrastructure impacts biodiversity at the smallest scales, prompting designs that balance functionality with ecological sensitivity.