Outdoor seating in urban areas, such as benches, café tables, and public plazas, can significantly alter the microhabitats of tiny marine organisms like *Trichoplax adhaerens*, commonly found in city water features. These simple, disk-shaped creatures thrive in shallow aquatic environments, but human-made structures introduce new variables like shade, heat retention, and debris accumulation.

Research suggests that outdoor seating creates microclimates by blocking sunlight or trapping moisture, which can either benefit or disrupt trichoplax populations. For instance, shaded areas under benches may reduce evaporation, maintaining stable water levels, while metal or concrete surfaces can amplify heat, stressing delicate ecosystems. Additionally, litter from seating areas often introduces pollutants, further impacting these microorganisms.

Urban planners and ecologists are beginning to study these interactions to design seating that minimizes ecological harm. By understanding how outdoor furniture influences microhabitats, cities can foster biodiversity while accommodating human needs—a balance critical for sustainable urban development.