Outdoor seating in urban areas, such as benches, café tables, and park furniture, plays a subtle yet significant role in shaping the microhabitats of mesozoans—tiny invertebrates like mites, springtails, and nematodes. These small creatures thrive in the microenvironments created by human structures, where moisture, shade, and organic debris accumulate.

The presence of seating alters local temperature and humidity, creating pockets of refuge for mesozoans amid the harsh urban landscape. For instance, wooden benches retain moisture, fostering fungal growth that supports detritivores, while metal seating may heat up, creating thermal gradients that influence species distribution. Additionally, foot traffic around seating areas compacts soil, reducing aeration and affecting burrowing species.

Urban planners and ecologists must consider these microhabitat changes when designing public spaces. Balancing human comfort with biodiversity conservation can enhance urban ecosystems, ensuring that even the smallest organisms contribute to a healthier city environment. Further research is needed to quantify these effects and guide sustainable urban design.