Monterey Bay Area: Natural History And Cultural Imprints

The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to investigate the character and extent of ecological changes produced by human action in the Monterey Bay area; and (2) to suggest applications of such information to land-use planning. The clearing of the natural plant cover and physiographic alterations are emphasized because these are among the activities of humans which have had the greatest ecological consequences. Locally, species have been exterminated and habitats destroyed. Numerous domesticated and game species, and species commensal with mankind (such as insect and rodent pests), have been introduced. An even larger number of native species have been exposed to unplanned disruptive and selective action. Changes in animal habitats and food sources have taken place. As a result of agricultural and industrial developments, natural hydrological patterns have been locally changed, and the chemical content of the air and waters altered. Thus, new habitats for plants and animals, including people themselves, are being created.

本研究兼具双重研究目标：其一，探究蒙特雷湾（Monterey Bay）区域内人类活动所催生的生态变化的特征与影响范围；其二，提出该类生态调研成果在土地利用规划中的应用方向。研究着重关注天然植被清除与地貌改造活动，因这类人类行为是对生态系统造成最显著影响的活动类型之一。在局部区域内，已有物种被彻底灭绝，原生栖息地遭到破坏。大量驯化物种、猎用物种，以及与人类共生的物种（如昆虫与啮齿类害虫）被引入该区域。另有数量更为庞大的本土物种遭受到无规划的干扰性与选择性影响。动物的栖息地与食物来源均发生了显著变化。受农业与工业发展的推动，自然水文格局在局部区域出现改变，大气与水体的化学成分亦随之发生变化。由此，包括人类自身在内的动植物新栖息地正逐步形成。