For Immediate Release The Field Museum, Greg Borzo (312) 665-7106 gborzo@fieldmuseum.org “Flowers are the supreme example of nature’s reproductive exuberance, ensuring the persistence of life against an onslaught of destructive forces, constantly evolving pathogens, and unpredictable environmental changes,” Dr. Burger says. Even more important, he adds, flowers are the fundamental energy resource for most of life on Earth. “Since they energize themselves by capturing the energy of sunlight, flowers provide a vital link in the chain of life. Even today in our complex technological world, it is the flowering plants that provide us, directly or indirectly, with nearly all the energy that sustains life.” Today there are 260,000 unique species of flowering plants known to science, with more being discovered almost every day. Given a total of about 300,000 species of land plants, the vast majority of land plants produce flowers. “Without flowers, we humans simply wouldn’t be here, whether as primates, two-legged omnivores, or grand civilizations!” Dr. Burger says. This easy-to-understand book discusses many aspects of flowers including the evolution of flowers and how flowers created a world richer than any that had come before in the 4 billion year history of the Earth. There’s a lot of discussion about sex since flowers are the reproductive organs of flowering plants. “It is truly botany made interesting and accessible,” says David Lentz, vice president of the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Anyone who ever thought they would like to learn more about flowers and their mysterious habits should read this wonderful book.” Chapter titles: What, exactly, is a flower? What are flowers for? Flowers and their friends. Flowers and their enemies How are the flowering plants distinguished? What makes the flowering plants so special? Primates, people and the flowering plants. How flowers changed the world. Digital images available: Michigan lily This flower’s rich colors, lush pedals and large stamen and stigma are designed to attract attention, and it succeeds wonderfully. Photo by William C. Burger; Courtesy of The Field Museum Wild geranium Flowers have evolved in ways that lure insects – and some would say humans – to do their bidding. Here a beetle visits a wild geranium seeking food. Photo by William C. Burger; Courtesy of The Field Museum Meadow rose Hoverfly on a meadow rose. “For most flowers, their pigments, aromas and symmetry have a single purpose: advertising,” says author William C. Burger, PhD. Photo by William C. Burger; Courtesy of The Field Museum Orchid Cymbidium orchid. Note that the lower lip constitutes a landing field for insects. Photo by William C. Burger; Courtesy of The Field Museum <<Back to the Press Room