Natural History of the Islands of California (California Natural History Guides)

Islands have always been fascinating places, their separateness evoking a sense of mystery and inspiring a yearning for exploration. California's islands are unique evolutionary laboratories, places where plants and animals have grown and interacted in isolation for millions of years. This comprehensive book discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Año Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. It is also useful as a field guide for visitors, and details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter. The authors explore the formation of the islands; discuss the history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited the islands 12,000 years ago; and provide a thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of non-native animals and plants. Large herbivorous animals in particular have caused considerable damage, since island plants evolved in the absence of herbivores and therefore have no defenses against them. At present all of California's islands are managed by conservancies and public agencies such as the National Park Service and State Park system, and various environmental organizations are working with them to return the islands to their original condition. This comprehensive book discusses the geological, human, and natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Ano Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. The authors explore the formation of the islands and the history of their human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited them 12,000 years ago. They discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of nonnative animals and plants CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION 1 ISLAND ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY 2 GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS 3 EARLY HUMAN POPULATIONS ON THE CALIFORNIA ISLANDS 4 MARINE LIFE 5 SANTA CATALINA ISLAND 6 THE NORTHERN CHANNEL ISLANDS 7 THE OUTER SOUTHERN CHANNEL ISLANDS: SAN CLEMENTE, SAN NICOLAS, AND SANTA BARBARA 8 AÑO NUEVO ISLAND 9 THE FARALLON ISLANDS 10 THE ISLANDS OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY EPILOGUE Selected References Index Discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Ano Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. This title explores the formation of the islands; discuss the history of human habitation.