Ethnobotany and astrobiology
Ethnobotany studies how local people use plants through traditional knowledge. Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution and spread of life in the universe, on Earth and beyond.
What is ethnobotany?
Ethnobotany (ethno = people, botany = study of plants) studies how the people of a region use local plants. It records traditional knowledge about food, medicine, dyes, fibre, shelter and rituals. The term was coined by John W. Harshberger in 1895. Tribal people of the Nilgiris, the Kolli Hills and the Western Ghats hold much of this knowledge.
Plants and their traditional uses
| Plant | Traditional use |
|---|---|
| Neem | Twigs as a toothbrush; leaves against germs and pests |
| Tulsi (holy basil) | Leaves for cough and cold |
| Turmeric | Paste on cuts and skin; used in food and rituals |
| Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus) | Used in Tamil homes for jaundice |
| Arogyapacha | Eaten by the Kani tribe of the Western Ghats against tiredness; it led to the herbal drug Jeevani |
Importance of ethnobotany
- It records the traditional uses of plants before the knowledge is lost.
- It helps find new medicines. Many modern drugs began as folk remedies.
- It points to new sources of food, fibre, dyes, oils and gums.
- It helps conserve useful and rare plants and their habitats.
- It respects and protects the rights of the tribal communities who hold the knowledge.
What is astrobiology?
Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe. It asks two questions. How did life begin on Earth? Does life exist anywhere else? Scientists search for habitable places, where life could survive. Such places need liquid water, a source of energy and carbon compounds. A planet can keep liquid water only if it is big enough to hold an atmosphere and lies at the right distance from its star, neither too hot nor too cold. This band around a star is called the Goldilocks zone (habitable zone). Earth lies in the Sun's Goldilocks zone. Mars, Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus are studied closely. Planets around other stars (exoplanets) are also searched. India's Chandrayaan missions to the Moon and Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) add to this knowledge.
Why astrobiology matters
- It helps us understand how life began on Earth.
- It studies extremophiles, organisms that live in extreme places such as hot springs, the deep sea and polar ice. They show what life on other planets might be like.
- It guides space missions in their search for water and life.
Many Tamil homes still use keezhanelli for jaundice and tulsi for cough: this is the knowledge ethnobotanists record and test. For any serious illness, always consult a doctor.
2 marks: “What is ethnobotany? Who coined the term?” The study of a region's plants and their uses through the traditional knowledge of local people. Coined by John W. Harshberger in 1895.
2 marks: “Define astrobiology.” The study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe, including the search for habitable places beyond Earth.
4 marks: “Write the importance of ethnobotany.” Records traditional uses of plants; leads to new medicines (Jeevani from arogyapacha); new sources of food, fibre and dyes; helps conserve plants; protects tribal knowledge.
Ethno = people + plants. Astro = life + stars.