HOW FLOWERS MADE OUR WORLD
An examination considers the impact of flowering plants on life. Flowers appeared approximately 200 million years ago. They became the foundation of most land habitats around 100 million years ago. The study focuses on plants including magnolias, goatsbeard, orchids, grasses, seagrasses, roses, teas, and pansies. Flowers are described as genetically malleable and resilient, able to change their strategies of reproduction. The future evolution of flowers may involve responding to environmental challenges caused by humans, such as climate change. Flowers can teach humans that thriving worlds grow from cooperation, mediated by beauty.
- Flowers appeared about 200 million years ago, following complex animals and other land plants, such as ferns and conifers.
- By one hundred million years ago, they were the foundation of most habitats on land.
- Flowers are “genetically malleable and resilient,” able to change their strategies of reproduction—from showy blooms to attract pollinators to self-fertilization, for example.
📚 BookAddict’s Take: If you enjoy science writing that blends accessible language with deep insights, this sounds like a fascinating exploration of the floral world.
Source: Kirkus Reviews |
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