The plants of today have all evolved from ancestors that may have looked different or may have passed down parts of their morphology to present generations, much like how you may have eyes like your mother's or a nose like your father's. Plants' morphology, where they grow, their DNA, and even plant fossils are used to trace the history of how present-day plants evolved. Understanding plant evolution is important! Studying evolution increases our knowledge of the living things on our planet and aids in the discovery of new species. A species is a group of organisms that are similar enough that we consider them all the same type of organism. Lions and giraffes are examples of animal species. Scientists trying to protect the variety of life on Earth use knowledge of the number of species and where they live to decide how to focus their efforts. Analyzing how plant species evolved in different regions and climates throughout history can help scientists understand how plants may respond to the changing climate and predict how the world will look in the future.

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