How can herbarium specimens help scientists study damaged habitats?

Herbarium specimens, which are collections of dried plant samples often housed in botanical gardens, serve as vital tools for scientists studying damaged or degraded habitats.12

Because these specimens are collected in situ and include detailed records of when and where they were found, they provide a historical baseline of plant life. By examining these records, researchers can delineate the historical biogeography of a region, allowing them to gain critical insight into the original biodiversity that existed before a habitat was damaged.12

Furthermore, these specimens act as essential resources for conservation biology and ecology by helping scientists:
* Document the historic ranges of various plant species.1
* Locate rare or endangered species that may still persist in fragmented areas.1
* Provide genetic material for studies that help inform restoration efforts.12

By serving as a "dictionary" of the plant kingdom, these collections allow scientists to reconstruct past ecosystems and better understand how to protect and restore them today.12