Characteristics such as cell walls, vacuoles, and the ability to produce their own food through photosynthesis
distinguish members of Kingdom Plantae from those of other Kingdoms.  What makes plants unique are the
adaptations that allow them to be successful despite the fact that they are sessile organisms.

Plants are not only ubiquitous in our lives, they are the foundation upon which all life is based. Plant biology,
or the scientific study of plant life, seeks to understand plants and how plants interact with their surrounding
environment. Why study plants?

As with many fields within biology, plant biology is often divided into areas of specialty.

Plant Anatomy is the study of the internal structure of plants (cells, tissues, organs).  The main goal of
plant anatomists is to understand the function of plant structures.

Plant Physiology is the study of how plants function.  Plant physiologists seek to understand the chemical
and physical processes that allow plants to live.

Plant Pathology is the study of the causes, mechanisms, and control of diseases that affect plants.

Plant Ecology is the study of the interactions between plants and their surrounding environment. Plant
ecologists study how abiotic and biotic factors affect individual plants, plant populations, and plant communities.

Plant Systematics and Taxonomy is the study of the evolutionary relationships between plant
groups as well as identifiying and classifying plants.

Paleobotany is the study of the biology and evolution of fossil plants.

Ethnobotany is the study of how people use plants.  This field is particularly focused on how people of a
particular region use indigenous plants.

Forensic Botany is the application of plant biology to help solve legal issues.

Links to Plant Biology Web Pages

Plant Anatomy    Plant Physiology    Plant Pathology   Ecology   Systematics & Taxonomy   Paleobotany   Ethnobotany  
Forensic Botany

And Other areas of specialty

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