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If current trends continue and the world's population does not stop wasting our resources, then there will be nothing left of what we love. This elimination of our resources will likely not happen in my generation, but my children and grandchildren have a heavy burden on their shoulders as they will have to fix what those who came before them have used up, taken advantage of and destroyed. Small & simple steps, if taken by every individual can make a profound difference in the health of our earth.

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One of the most influential plants, in my opinion is Papaver somniferum, the Opium Poppy. Influential doesn't necessarily mean good or bad, just something that has had monumental effects on society since its discovery.  Undoubtedly, this plant and the products that are derived from it such as morphine and heroine are different sides of the same coin. Morphine is a legitimate pain killer that is found on every cancer ward in the world and heroine has been instrumental in the most detrimental addictive & illegal drug crisis that the world will ever know.

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The use of fertilizers, genetic modification and herbicides have created heartier and more viable plants that are seen as beneficial to impoverished countries. When dealing with world hunger, any solution to help resolve the problem is beneficial. We (Americans) live in a society where we have a choice, so we should be provided with all of the information available about these modified and enhanced products. Being informed allows us to decide which potential side effects we are willing to live with.

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I chose this picture because plants are necessary for fresh air. The feeling that I get when I spend time outside in a wide open space is unlike anything I can get indoors. There are many uses for plants and one of the reasons that I am interested in them is for the medicinal properties. I don't think people realize that there is medicinal value in every plant. Just take a look at a healthy plant that is thriving, you may smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside....great for mental health!

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This is a smooth coneflower or Echinacea laevigata and is currently on the endangered list.  In fact, this flower is currently found only in one county in Georgia and scattered locations through South Carolina but was formerly native to states all along the southeastern United States. The coneflower's natural habitat is open sunny areas which are prime locations for construction of homes, roadways and businesses which contribute to the decreasing numbers of this species. Echinacea is also a medicinal plant used for anxiety, immunity and inflammation, however the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service does not feel that those who harvest for medicinal purposes are a threat to the existence of the flower. The coneflower is pollinated by butterflies, moths, beetles, bees and wasps.

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This video travels deep inside a leaf and is an amazing adaptation of the inner workings of the plant. I don't know that it summarized photosynthesis, per se, but I felt that this was so important to see what everything looks like. I was absolutely fascinated watching this and being able to identify the thylakoid and granum and the stroma. Amazing! Please watch!

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Travel Deep Inside a Leaf - Annotated Version | California Academy of Sciences

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The tropical rainforest biome is in danger of ecological change because of the impact that humans are having on the environment.  Logging, agricultural expansion and paper manufacturing are contributing to the deforestation.  With less tropical rainforests in the world, global warming will increase, causing a ripple effect all the way to the arctic regions. People must be educated on alternatives to paper, and more conscientious when cutting down trees, and don't even get me started on the animals who will be homeless!

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This picture represents the change from hunter/gatherer to farmer that took place during the Neolithic era. Also known as the First Agricultural Revolution, this period in time is significant because cultivation of crops began and the settlers began to invent storage systems so they could survive during slow growing seasons. The nomadic lifestyles of the families changed significantly because of the ability to plant and harvest crops and keep their animals in one place, which was usually near a water supply.