Realm of Roots

On the joint evolution of plants and humans

Humans and plants – two supposedly competing mega-organisms

Did you know that the evolutionary history of the plant kingdom is not so dissimilar to that of humans?

David Spencer entertainingly recounts the development of plants over millions of years, starting with their nomadic existence in the oceans, followed by a period when the first plants rose out of the oceans to colonise the land and become sedentary.

He also makes it clear what potential we are wast- ing if we do not recognise the intelligence of plants and continue to exploit our ecosystems instead of shaping them together in partner- ship and with respect.