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Why are plants
important and valuable?
The ultimate
source of energy and organic material in nearly all
habitats is as a result of photosynthesis and
carbon fixation conducted by land plants and
algae.
The processes of
plants radically changed the composition of the
Earth's atmosphere, which maintains 20% of earth's
oxygen. Animals and most other organisms are
aerobic, relying on oxygen to create internal
energy to move and grow.
reference: Wikipedia
plants
Plants produce
complex kinds of anti-oxidants that have been shown
to reduce the occurance of cancer. For example the
red in plants is due to something called
anthocyanins. This protects the plant from sun
damage and may help people also.
Plants also
provide a ready supply of vitamin C and other
vitamins that we need to continue to grow and
survive.
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Our nutrition
relies heavily on cereal plant crops. Other plants
that are eaten include fruits, vegetables, herbs,
and spices. Some plants like trees and shrubs,
produce woody stems and are an important source of
building material. A number of plants are used
decoratively, including a variety of
flowers.
The cultural
importance of plants - This deals with how plants or
plant products have inspired the creative arts such
as music and even paintings. Plants often feature
is landscapes and still life paintings.
The
technological importance of plants - This deals mainly with
how plants have been important in the development
of tools of various kinds.
Plants have also
had an impact on medicine and health by providing
relief for ailments and in some cases can provide
excellent abilities to assist faster
healing.
 Plant
technology is really about the use of
genetechnology to add special abilities to plants
such as insect resistance.
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The spice trade in the East Indies was
dominated by Portugal in the 16th century, the
Netherlands in the 17th century, and the British in
the 18th century.