1.1.5: Subfields and Applications in Plant Biology

Learning Objective

Describe the various subdisciplines of plant biology.

Branches of Plant Biology

The scope of biology is broad and therefore contains many branches and subdisciplines. The branch of plant biology can further be divided into many subdisciplines as well. Botanists may pursue one of those subdisciplines and work in a more focused field. Botany's origins come from ancient studies of herbal medicine. Even today, ethnobotany focuses on the traditional knowledge and practical uses of plants in medicine, religion, food, etc.

An agronomist or agricultural scientist, is a scientist who studies crops. Their focus may include crop quality, growth, nutrition, or disease. George Washington Carver (1860-1943) was an American agricultural scientists who revolutionized crop rotation (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). He found that by planting different crops in the same location, the nutrients such as nitrogen in the soil are replenished. He promoted planting peanuts as part of the rotation.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): George Washington Carver was an American agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted crop rotation to prevent soil depletion. He was the most prominent Black scientist of the early 20th century. (Wikipedia; Public Domain)

Phytochemists are plant biochemists who study chemical substances of plants. This is a field that incorporates chemistry as well as biology. These compounds can be studied for medicine, culinary purposes, or as dyes and building material. Some botanists study plant hormones so they can understand the mechanisms of plant growth and regulation. A plant geneticist would study plant genes, often working to create new varieties of plants or crops. Molecular biology biological processes at the molecular, including interactions among molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, as well as the way they are regulated. A plant molecular biologist would be interested in these aspects of plants. A plant physiologist would study the internal chemical and physical activities of plants and plant metabolism. Plant anatomy would focus on the structures of plants.

A systematic botanist studies the diversity of plants and their evolutionary relationships. Paleobotanists study plant fossils and are interested in understanding past environments and ancient plant types. This can also aid in our understanding of the evolution of modern plants.

Plant ecologists are scientists that study the interaction of plants with their environments. Plant ecologists can focus on populations, communities, or ecosystem interactions. Restoration ecologists and conservation biologists focus on the the negative impacts of the environment. The restoration ecologist works to reverse environmental impacts caused by human disturbance. Conservation biologists focus on preserving and maintaining existing habitat. There is often a focus on policy change. In many circumstances these two fields overlap with one another and overlap with other disciplines. Many government employees who focus on the environment are involved in restoration, conservation, and promote education, public engagement, and awareness of the environment.

Contributors and Attributions

Curated and authored by Kammy Algiers using 1.2 Themes and Concepts of Biology from Biology2e by OpenStax (licensed CC-BY)