The explosive growth of human population is changing the earth dramatically. Only by understanding how human activities affect our environment can we predict global climatic changes. Scientific studies of these changes and their effect on natural ecosystems and crop production are crucial to the future of our society. Other environmental issues , such as pollution, also interest botanists.
Many plant species are especially sensitive to certain pollutants.
Botanists study the effects of different types of Plants are chemical factories - plant biochemists are engaged in identifying and purifying potentially useful chemicals produced by plants. Pharmacopeia are still obtained from plants or derivedfrom plant products. Photo courtesy of Marsh Sundberg. They use their results to advise lawmakers on legislation for environmental protection and on ways to save priceless natural areas. By using plant tissue culture , botanists can grow entire plants from single cells.