Evolution forms the underpinnings of biology, whether one is examining genes, genomes, cells or organisms. It is the critical reason for both the diversity and unity of life. Research in plant evolutionary biology has contributed in major ways to an improved understanding of fundamental questions regarding both evolutionary patterns and processes. Although these studies can provide a unique and necessary view of evolution unavailable from other systems, these contributions are rarely prominent in texts, discussions or presentations on evolution. The goal of this symposium is to highlight some of the current, major contributions of botanical research to the elucidation of several significant aspects of evolution, such as patterns of evolutionary change, the interconnection of phylogenetic systematics, biogeography and evolution, processes of speciation and microevolution, evolution of genomes, the contribution of the plant fossil record, and the benefits of including plant biology-based examples in the classroom. Included will be the identification of major challenges and questions to which plant-based studies promise answers, and application of these advances to science and society. Further, the presentation of this suite of "case histories" is intended to raise awareness that plant evolutionary studies need to be more broadly developed and disseminated both in science, particularly in science teaching, and to the public.

Key words: evolutionary processes and patterns, genome evolution, plant evolution, speciation