Scientists More Often Study Showy Plants, But Ugly Flowers Are Vital to Ecosystem

Photo by Urel Landetne on Unsplash.

Scientists More Often Study Showy Plants, But Ugly Flowers Are Vital to Ecosystem AOC Eye

New research in Nature Plants found there’s a clear bias among scientists toward visually striking plants. This means they’re more likely chosen for scientific study and conservation efforts, regardless of their ecological or evolutionary significance.

White, red and pink flowers were more likely to feature in research literature than those with dull, or green and brown flowers. Blue plants — rare in nature — received the most research attention.