This picture shows the leaves on a tree. The leaves have turned colors because it was autumn when the picture was taken. Click on image for full size (55K jpeg) Image courtesy of Corel Photography

In the process known as "photosynthesis", plants use the energy of the Sun to convert water and carbon dioxide into food (sugars) and oxygen. Photosynthesis by plants provides almost all the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere. Because plants can make their own food, they are the first step to many food chains in the world.

The first plants lived on land about 450 million years ago. Since then, plants have taken on many forms and are found in most places on Earth. Plants can live in dry places or wet places, low places or high places, hot places or cold places. Humans can't live in a world without plants, so it is very important to protect places that have plants!

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees, But Gasoline Might

Podcast: Gasoline Plant