Category Archives: Botanist

Botanist

Invasive Species: Causes, Impacts & Environmental Effects

Invasive Species: Causes, Impacts & Environmental Effects
Invasive species are plants or animals introduced to new environments where they cause environmental, economic, or health harm. Unlike exotic species that coexist peacefully, invasives thrive without natural predators, reproduce rapidly, and disrupt native ecosystems. They're the second-leading cause of species extinctions globally, costing an estimated $120 billion annually in the United States alone. One…
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What is Botany? Plant Science Careers & Degrees

What is Botany? Plant Science Careers & Degrees
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including flowering species, algae, fungi, and vascular plants like ferns. As one of the world's oldest natural sciences, botany explores plant structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, and ecological relationships. With climate change threatening global plant biodiversity, botany has never been more critical to our future. Table of Contents What…
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Phytoliths: What They Are and What They Tell Us

Phytoliths: What They Are and What They Tell Us
Phytoliths are microscopic silica structures that form inside plant cells and survive long after decomposition, providing evidence of ancient plant life and environments. These "plant stones" help archaeologists and environmental scientists reconstruct past ecosystems, understand early agriculture, and trace human impacts on landscapes dating back thousands of years. Most research roles require a Master's degree…
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With Palynology We Can See the Tiniest Details

With Palynology We Can See the Tiniest Details
Palynology – the study of micro organic material such as spores, pollen, dinoflagellates and microfossils (1) - is a method employed by a range of disciplines all concerned with the environment. It is not an undergraduate degree subject due to its limited scope, and though there are some Master’s programmes in most countries, those wishing…
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How Birds Support Ecosystems: 4 Essential Services Explained

How Birds Support Ecosystems: 4 Essential Services Explained
Birds provide four essential ecosystem services that benefit humans and maintain environmental health: supporting services like nutrient cycling and soil formation, provisioning services including pest control and pollination support, regulating services such as waste decomposition and seed dispersal, and cultural services like ecotourism and spiritual enrichment. These contributions generate billions of dollars in economic value…
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Dendrochronology: How Tree Rings Reveal Environmental History

Dendrochronology: How Tree Rings Reveal Environmental History
Dendrochronology is the scientific analysis of tree-ring patterns to date wood samples and reconstruct past environmental conditions. Students from archaeology, climate science, chemistry, and forestry use dendrochronology in their research. Tree rings reflect annual growth influenced by climate, enabling scientists to date artifacts, calibrate radiocarbon testing, and study historical climate patterns spanning thousands of years.…
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