Natural history of southern California

In these days of expanding environmental exploitation it becomes increasing-ly important for all of us to develop an accurate perspective from which to assess the effects of this exploitation. As our minerals, soils, petroleum, and other nonrenewable natural resources are being consumed at record-breaking rates, it is imperative for us to know how this is going to affect the future of human society. Since the turn of the century, science has directed its attention increasingly to the matter of how living things interact within the total environment, a discipline which today is embodied in the popular science of ecology. The function of this science is to probe into every aspect of the living and nonliving environment in an attempt to gain evidence for the establishment of rules that govern the dynamics of life on earth. It would seem, then, that ecology is the approach mechanism for a more complete understanding of our position in a world of rapidly dissipating natural resources. It is with this in mind that the authors have developed the course for which this book is intended. Little mention will be made here of man's influence on the environment. Rather, through a series of detailed descriptions, observa-tions, and field experiences dealing with the interrelationships of plant and animal communities, this book· is intended to leave the student with the necessary foundations to more accurately assess the effects of man's environmental exploitation. Also, the authors hope to instill an appreciation for all aspects of the natural environment, even to the extent that it becomes a part of one's recreational activities. Bird watching, scuba diving, and desert camping are only a few of the ways that southern Californians have found this kind of appreciation and enjoyment. All of these activities are enhanced with the knowledge of one's natural surroundings. Knowing the name of that rock, or that. plant, or lizard develops within the student a feeling of being a part of that environment, and hopefully a feeling of responsibility toward it; Nowhere in our country can one find a wider variety of environmental conditions than those that exist in southern California. Here, one can wade in the rocky shore tidepools of the Pacific Ocean, and two hours later be basking in the warmth of the desert sunshine, having passed by snow-capped peaks getting there. As a result of being bordered on the west by the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, and being divided by the Transve

Year

1979

Language

English

Publisher

Peek Publications

Editions

2

Pages

448

ISBN

9780917962639

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