Botany in the modern world
There are many kinds of botanists
Some study plant genes and molecules; others probe the inner workings of particular species, learning more of their nutrition and metabolism; still others explore the world’s ecosystems, assessing botanical biodiversity and discovering new species or gaining new understanding of how species interact with one another and how natural environments might best be managed.
Rapid advances in botanical biotechnology have offered ways to produce crops that are more disease and pest resistant, better survive environmental stresses and have increased nutritional value. Moreover, plants can be utilised as ‘chemical factories’, producing industrial compounds such as plastics and pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics. All of these and other pursuits provide potential career opportunities for individuals and help to further human understanding of a broad range of organisms whose continued existence is essential for the survival of humans and most other animals.
The science of botany encompasses the study of algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns, flowering plants and their relatives. These organisms represent a number of distinct evolutionary lines, some of which are so different from one another that taxonomists have now assigned them to three or more different Kingdoms within the living world. Traditionally, however, all of these groups of organisms have been referred to as ‘plants’.
Humans are totally reliant on botanical organisms for survival. Six species of flowering plants directly or indirectly supply 80% of the kilojoules (calories) consumed by humans. The world’s oxygen supply is generated by photosynthetic plants. Botanical organisms also form the basis of many multimillion dollar industries, are essential for the recycling of nutrients needed by all living organisms, and contribute inestimably to the appearance and well-being of the environment of which people are an integral part.
Knowledge of botany and continued research on botanical organisms is essential in our modern society. Whether one undertakes botanical studies at university with potential careers in botany in mind or for personal enlightenment and fulfilment, one can do so knowing that botany is a foundation stone for human existence and fulfilment.
The Botanical Society of America webpage has a wealth of information for anyone considering a career in botany.