Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

Saving Endangered Plants

by Jennie Merkooloff

1 When most people hear the word “plant,” they probably think only of the plants we use for decoration. But plants are important resources with many benefits. For centuries, people have used plants to treat illnesses, and modern

scientists continue to develop new ways to use plants to cure diseases. “Plants” also include the crops—such as corn, wheat, and rice—we use to feed ourselves and the animals we depend on.

2 Throughout our planet’s history, plants have appeared, flourished, then vanished. As an area became warmer or colder, wetter or drier, some plants were not able to adapt to the changing conditions and disappeared.

3 This is still happening today. But people have caused plant species to disappear much more rapidly than they did in the past. People cut down trees for wood. They clear forests to build homes and shopping centers. Pollution is another factor. Poisonous waste in the air and water kills plants. Acid rain threatens forests in many parts of the world.

4 Even the simple act of picking wildflowers is a threat to their continued existence. Many wildflowers are endangered. People are picking too many of them. As a result, we are not allowing their seeds to fall to the earth and

produce more flowers.

5 It is estimated that by 2086, ten to fifteen percent of the wild plants in this country will be seriously threatened. The percentage may be even greater on a worldwide scale. Can the world afford to lose these valuable resources? This

cannot be allowed to happen. We must work hard to make sure our plants will be saved.

6 Thankfully, many groups are taking action. The National Center for Plant Conservation was formed by botanical gardens from across the United States. Its plan is to collect and preserve live specimens of more than three thousand

endangered varieties of plants. Researchers study what conditions are necessary to ensure the survival of these plants. Eventually, the plants will be checked as sources of medicines and useful chemicals.

7 Individual botanical gardens have projects of their own. The Institute of Economic Botany at the New York Botanical Garden collects cuttings and seeds of endangered species. These species are believed to be valuable for food, fuel, or medicine. The Berry Botanic Garden in Oregon also collects endangered plants. It dries and freezes the seeds.

8 We will hear more success stories if we support efforts to preserve our plants. Remember, their beauty and usefulness make our lives richer in many ways