Historical aspects of natural-ecological research on the territory of modern NNP “Podilski Tovtry” (the late XIX — early XX century)

Abstract

A retrospective study of the scientific heritage dedicated to the study of nature in the territory of the modern National Natural Park (NNP) “Podilski Tovtry” was carried out. The initial information used was: historical facts recorded in chronicles and other written documents; archival statistical information, modern literary sources (monographs, articles, reference books, etc.), which give an idea of the natural-resource, ecological, economic, cultural, intellectual, etc., potential of the studied territory. The contribution of scientists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was analyzed. The development of the ecological scientific movement in the territory of the park is characterized. Historical aspects and directions of natural science research of the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries in the territory of the modern National Natural Park “Podilski Tovtry” are considered on the basis of the analysis of literary and archival sources, facts historical events recorded in chronicles and other written documents. The main events in scientific life of the period studied are analyzed: the creation of scientific societies, a botanical garden and research stations. Scientific and popular science publications of the time were considered. The works of outstanding scientists and naturalists are described. It was found that not only various botanical, zoological and geological studies were carried out, but also the interaction between organisms and the environment, dependence on geographical location and climatic conditions, various aspects of anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems and the consequences of such influence. It was concluded that the active beginning of ecological research in the area the active beginning of environmental research in this territory was laid during the 19th century and first half of the 20th centuries. The collection, systematization, generalization and analysis of natural research data, which provided a reliable basis for future scientific ecological research, is the merit of the nature researchers of the NNP “Podilski Tovtry” of the late 19th and the first half of the XX centuries