Biology 103 - ECO BOTANY:PLANT/HUMAN AFFAIRS

A consideration of the plants which are useful or harmful to humans; their origins and history, botanical relationships, chemical constituents which make them economically important, and their roles in prehistoric and modern cultures, civilizations and economies. Classes of plants surveyed include those that provide food, timber, fiber, spices, essential oils, medicines, stimulants and narcotics, oils and waxes, and other major products. Topics include the history of plant domestication, ethnobotany, biodiversity issues, genetic engineering and biotechnology. No prerequisites. Enrollment limited to 25.