Seeds and civilizations

摘要

Ionce asked a school class whether anyone present had eaten a plant that day. There was a chorus of "No", but when toast and cereal were mentioned, all heads began to nod. We sometimes forget humanity's dependence on plants. Plants photosynthesize to provide oxygen, and their unborn offspring - contained in seeds - have supported the development of human civilizations. Biologist Thor Hansons The Triumph of Seeds relates that deep historical relationship. This is a charming book, inspired by Hanson's forays into seed identification and dispersal with his young, seed-obsessed son. Its interlocking stories are loosely arranged around the themes of feeding, reproduction, longevity, defence and dispersal. Many will be familiar narratives about plants that have changed the world - such as cacao, chillies, wheat and coffee - but Hanson's twist of looking at human interactions with plants in their embryonic stage is new. Throughout, he scatters interviews and encounters with seed scientists and other biologists, such as Christina Walters of the US National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation in Fort Collins, Colorado. All bring their enthusiasm for their research, and for plants in general, brilliantly to life.