Plant distribution

Introduction – Plant Distribution

On a long-term Plant-People Big History scale, the most obvious impact of humans on plant distribution relates to the redistribution and transformation of the Earth’s vegetation.

Human appropriation of land has been mainly for agriculture, but human-induced land use change is diverse and includes deforestation for timber, human-induced flooding and fire regimes, horticulture, forestry, conversion to pasture and rangeland, and much more – the consequences of which have included substantial species extinction. No doubt global warming has also changed vegetation patterns and plant distribution.

In general terms this human impact has entailed an accelerating increase in the proportion of cultivated to wild plants over time, and an intensification of the human manipulation of plant genetics.

The exploitation of the world flora for human use – the global sharing of plant benefits – is a finite process that is now in a closing phase.  The global redistribution of plants of economic benefit to humanity, as a whole, that had begun in a small way with ancient trade routes that included the Silk Road, surged ahead in the Age of Plants. This lasted about 400 years between 1550 and 1950, and coincided with the globalization we associate with the European colonial expansion that began with a Columbean exchange across the Atlantic of plants between the Old and New Worlds, and the spice race to the opposite side of the world that launched the global economy.  Temperate crops became staples in similar climates across the world (the result of vast European land grabs on several continents); there was a free exchange of economic plants between the east and western tropics (the East Indies and West Indies), and ornamental plants became the subjects of intense prospecting in an era of plant hunters.

This reconfiguration of the world’s plants is difficult to quantify, but recent technology (satellite imagery etc.) has facilitated informed speculation about historical global land use. Of special interest here is the global historical transformation of land (referred to on this PlantsPeoplePlanet web site as Agraria), that followed the space-hungry Neolithic Agricultural Revolution as it played out, at separate times, across the world.

Introduction – Human influence on plant distribution

The distribution of plant species across the Earth’s surface is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that has been significantly influenced by human activities. Throughout history, humans have played a crucial role in shaping the plant distribution patterns of through activities such as cultivation, trade, and transportation. This account will explore how humans have impacted the distribution of plants across the Earth, focusing on various categories including species composition, medicinal plants, agricultural plants, horticultural crops, ornamental plants, forestry plants, and naturalized plants.

Species Composition
Plant distribution  across the Earth is diverse and varies greatly depending on factors such as climate, soil type, and human activities. Human activities have led to the intentional and unintentional introduction of plant species to new regions, resulting in changes to the composition of plant communities. For example, the Columbian Exchange during the Age of Exploration facilitated the movement of plant species between the Old World and the New World, leading to the introduction of crops such as maize, potatoes, and tomatoes to new regions.

Medicinal Plants
The distribution of medicinal plants across the Earth has been significantly influenced by human activities. Throughout history, various cultures have relied on medicinal plants for their healing properties, and as a result, many medicinal plants have been traded and transported across different regions. For example, plants like ginseng, echinacea, and turmeric have been widely used in traditional medicine practices and have been cultivated and traded globally.

The globalization of trade and increased demand for natural remedies have further impacted the distribution of medicinal plants. In some cases, overharvesting of medicinal plants has led to their decline in certain regions, prompting conservation efforts to protect these valuable species. Additionally, the growing interest in herbal medicine and alternative therapies has led to increased cultivation of medicinal plants in various regions, further shaping their distribution patterns.

Agricultural Plants
Agricultural plants, including staple crops such as wheat, rice, and corn, have been widely distributed across the Earth through human cultivation practices. The domestication and cultivation of crops have allowed humans to establish agricultural systems that support food production and sustenance for growing populations. The distribution of agricultural plants has been influenced by factors such as climate suitability, soil fertility, and human migration patterns.

Advancements in agricultural technology and trade networks have facilitated the global distribution of agricultural plants, leading to the establishment of crop production systems in various regions. For example, the Green Revolution of the mid-20th century introduced high-yielding crop varieties and improved farming practices that significantly increased food production and distribution worldwide. The adoption of genetically modified crops has further influenced the distribution of agricultural plants, with some crops being genetically engineered to enhance traits such as pest resistance and drought tolerance.

Horticultural Crops
Horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, have changed plant distribution across the Earth for both consumption and aesthetic purposes. The distribution of horticultural crops has been shaped by factors such as consumer demand, climate suitability, and cultural preferences. For example, tropical fruits like bananas and mangoes have been cultivated in regions with suitable growing conditions and have been traded globally to meet consumer demand.

The development of horticultural technologies, such as greenhouse cultivation and hydroponics, has enabled the year-round production of horticultural crops in regions with unfavorable climates. This has led to the expansion of horticultural crop production in various regions and has influenced the availability and distribution of these crops in the market. Additionally, the globalization of trade has facilitated the distribution of horticultural crops, allowing consumers to access a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from different parts of the world.

Ornamental Plants
The distribution of ornamental plants, including flowers, shrubs, and trees used for landscaping and decoration, has been influenced by human preferences and aesthetic trends. Ornamental plants are cultivated for their visual appeal and have been traded and transported across regions for landscaping purposes. The distribution of ornamental plants is often driven by factors such as climate compatibility, cultural significance, and gardening trends.

The horticultural industry plays a significant role in the distribution of ornamental plants, with nurseries and garden centers sourcing plants from different regions to meet consumer demand. The popularity of certain ornamental plants, such as roses, orchids, and succulents, has led to their widespread distribution and cultivation in various parts of the world. In some cases, exotic ornamental plants have become invasive species in certain regions, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting ecosystems.

Forestry Plants
The distribution of forestry plants, including trees and shrubs used for timber production and forest ecosystems, has been impacted by human activities such as logging, deforestation, and afforestation. Forest ecosystems play a critical role in providing habitat for wildlife, regulating climate, and maintaining biodiversity. The distribution of forestry plants is influenced by factors such as regional forest cover, soil type, and land use practices.

Human activities such as logging and deforestation have led to the depletion of forest resources in certain regions, resulting in changes to the distribution of forestry plants. Afforestation efforts aimed at reforestation and restoration of forest landscapes have helped in replenishing forestry plants in degraded areas. Sustainable forestry practices, such as selective logging and forest management, aim to balance timber production with conservation goals and maintain the distribution of forestry plants in a sustainable manner.

Naturalized Plants
The distribution of naturalized plants, also known as invasive species, has been a growing concern due to the negative impacts they can have on native ecosystems. Naturalized plants are species that have been introduced to new regions and have established self-sustaining populations, often outcompeting native vegetation and altering ecosystem dynamics. Human activities such as trade, transportation, and landscaping have facilitated the introduction and spread of naturalized plants to new regions.

Invasive plants can negatively impact native biodiversity, disrupt ecosystem functions, and pose economic and ecological threats. Efforts to control the spread of invasive plants include eradication programs, biological control measures, and restoration efforts to restore native plant communities. The prevention of further introductions of invasive species through measures such as quarantine regulations and public awareness campaigns is crucial in protecting native ecosystems and conserving biodiversity.

The distribution of plants across the Earth’s surface is a complex and interconnected phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including human activities. Humans have played a significant role in shaping the distribution patterns of plant species through activities such as cultivation, trade, and transportation. The intentional and unintentional introduction of plant species to new regions has led to changes in plant communities and ecosystems, with both positive and negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.

Understanding the ways in which humans have influenced the distribution of plants across the Earth is essential for conservation efforts and sustainable management of plant resources. By recognizing the impacts of human activities on plant distribution and ecosystems, we can work towards promoting biodiversity conservation, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and fostering sustainable practices that support the health and well-being of our planet (AI Sider July 2024).

Wild plants

Species composition

The Western scientific (universal) system of plant classification, nomenclature, and description into basic kinds called species is now accepted world-wide as an efficient way of categorizing the fundamental components of vegetation. Though there are specialized ways to designate botanical communities

There are several botanical and ecological ways of classifying natural plant communities but with human disturbance it becomes increasingly difficult to define define their composition, stability, and boundaries.  The modern synthesis of the plant community is as an assemblage of species’ populations aggregated in a region resulting from dispersal, tolerances to local site characteristics, and response to disturbance. The phenomena of succession and climax and the disturbances that initiate succession are integral to understanding plant community dynamics.

Plant biomass

Cultivated plants

Around one quarter of the Earth’s surface is today covered by plants that originated in cultivation.

These are essentially the plants of commerce and though there are many ways in which they may be classified it is the conventional economic division into the categories of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry that has widest general application. However,  the world of economic botany is better served by categories that more closely reflect human historical intellectual and historical concerns.

The distribution of economic plants around the world has been determined by human exploration, migration, conquest, colonialization, and commercial enterprise. This is discussed in greater detail in the article on cultivated plant globalization.

Timeline – Plant Distribution

Major human influences on the distribution of plants over planet Earth.

Prehistoric era (10,000 BCE):
Early human hunter-gatherer societies begin to impact plant distribution through intentional cultivation and unintentional dispersal of seeds.

Agricultural Revolution (circa 10,000 BCE):
The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture leads to intentional cultivation of plants, including the domestication of crops like wheat, barley, and rice, which significantly alters the distribution of these plants.

Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries):
European exploration and colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia result in the exchange of plants between continents, known as the Columbian Exchange. This leads to the global spread of crops like maize, potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco.

Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries):
The Industrial Revolution brings about significant changes in agriculture, including the development of machinery and chemical fertilizers, leading to increased production and distribution of crops on a global scale.

Deforestation and Land Use Changes (19th-20th centuries):
Rapid population growth and industrialization result in widespread deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and urbanization, impacting plant distribution and biodiversity.

Green Revolution (mid-20th century): The Green Revolution introduces high-yielding crop varieties, modern agricultural techniques, and synthetic fertilizers, leading to increased food production but also impacting plant diversity and distribution.

Climate Change (20th-21st centuries):
Human-induced climate change alters temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting plant distribution and leading to shifts in vegetation zones and plant communities.

Globalization (21st century):
The interconnected world economy facilitates the rapid movement of plants and plant products across borders, influencing plant distribution and introducing invasive species to new regions.

Conservation Efforts (ongoing):
Increasing awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation has led to efforts to protect and restore natural habitats, preserve endangered plant species, and promote sustainable agriculture practices to mitigate the impacts of human activities on plant distribution.

Anthropogenic biomes datasets describe potential natural vegetation, biomes, as transformed by sustained by human population density and land use including agriculture and urbanization. Anthropogenic biome categories (Anthromes) are defined by population density and land-use intensity. The data consists of 19 anthrome classes in six broad categories.