Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, and evolutionary relationships. It covers a wide range of plant life, from microscopic algae to large trees, and plays a crucial role in understanding the ecological balance, agriculture, and biodiversity. Botany helps us understand how plants contribute to life on Earth, as they produce oxygen, food, medicine, and raw materials, making them essential for sustaining ecosystems and human life.