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Scientific Preserves 
By Lewts J. Stannard 
Illinois Natural History Survey 
Since World War II, in America and all over the world, scientists have 
suddenly realized the desperate need for medium to small-sized natural 
Biologists are truly alarmed at 
the present dissolution of wildlands, 
especially around metropolitan centers. 
In almost any meeting of botanists 
or zoologists, discussion of the latest 
loss of a familiar collecting and study 
area is likely to be the topic. The 
continuance of wild corners and wood- 
land patches containing rare or fragile 
plants and animals that have stood 
against man’s encroachment for cen- 
turies, no longer can be taken for 
granted. Some will not remain for 
scientific research or naturalists’ muses 
even as long as next year. Neglected 
bogs with pitcher plants; rocky, steep 
ravines; or gravelly morainal prairie 
remnants are being “developed” by 
land promoters and recreational direc- 
tors. Our exploding population pre- 
empts space for new houses; for re- 
creational areas; for industrial sites 
to keep up the economy and to pro- 
i vide future jobs for the many people 
Pine Hills, Union County, Illinois. Part of | Who are born every day. 
this area is protected by Southern Illinois It is sad, indeed, to witness these 
University as a scientific preserve. Photo- losses. This can also mean the end of 
graph by Wilmer Zehr, Illinois Natural any phases of biological research, 
History Survey. . which ultimately may be reflected in 
the cessation of further advances in 
medicine, agriculture, and human betterment. Biologists have been study- 
ing the Laws of Nature, or the Laws of Life, in an extensive, scientific 
way, for only the past several hundred years. The source of their re- 
Searches has been unspoiled nature, although some of their actual work 
has been done in laboratories. Despite the far-reaching significance to 
human welfare of their discoveries, many of the Laws of Nature still are 
not solved. 
Evolution as a process is proved to the hilt, but the mechanisms by 
which it operates remain surmises. For example, how much has intro- 
gression hybridization influenced the evolution of plants and animals 
and man — all or just a part? How and why do relict populations of 
certain species survive? What is the role in nature of many minute or- 
ganisms? Of ozone emitted by forest trees? What happens to ecasystems 
when the diversity and organization of the component species are reduced 
by natural means or by man’s agricultural chemicals? 
And what questions have yet to be asked about problems of which 
we are still ignorant? Even about the need of the species which we haven’t 
