Title: Natural history of southern California
Description: 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 Transverse and Peninsula ranges, · southern California is separated into a variety of climatic regions ranging from mild coastal conditions, to the harsh cold of mountain peaks, and to the extremes of summer heat on the desert. Each of these regions and its subdivisions possess complexi-. ties of living and nonliving elements called wildlife communities. Each community consists of a group of plants and animals, living within a confined area, and in harmony with the total environment. 
This book is designed to have the student undertake the study of the natural features of southern California on a community basis. This will be accomplished by formal lectures, an introductory laboratory account of the community, and a field study at the community site. Through the experiences gained from the formal lecture, the introductory laboratory, and the field investigations, it is felt that fundamental understandings of the mechanisms of the living environment will be gained, and that better plans for environmental preservation will be developed.
Subjects: Natural history, Laboratory manuals
Places: Southern California