What botanists study?
Botanists focus on four broad areas in their research: • 1) Plant classification. • 2) How plants function. • 3) Plant habitats. • 4) The uses of plants. Most botanical research involves more than one and sometimes all of these areas. In addition, each of the areas includes various specific fields of study. Because the plant kingdom is so diverse, most botanists focus on one or more specialized fields. Plant classification and form provides the framework for almost all fields of botany. In studying a plant, a botanist must first know what type of plant it is. Botanists who specialize in systematics identify plant species. This field includes taxonomy, the science of naming and classifying plants. Botanists who specialize in morphology examine the form and structure of plants. Their research includes investigations of the cells and tissues that make up a plant’s internal structure. How plants function. Plants must carry out a variety of activities to remain alive. Botanists specializing
