Geobotany

/ˌdʒiːoʊˈbɑːtəni/ noun

Definition

The branch of botany that studies how plants are distributed and influenced by geology and soil conditions.

Etymology

Compound of Greek geo- (earth) + botany (from Greek botanē, plant). Developed as a distinct field in early 20th-century European ecology.

Kelly Says

This field helped scientists realize that certain plants act as living indicators of ore deposits—miners now use plants to literally prospect for hidden metals underground.

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