First Paragraph: Green plants are the basic form of life and are indispensable in the environment because they utilize energy from light to combine minerals and carbon dioxide into usable food sources for bacteria, fungi, wildlife, livestock, and humans. Plants reduce soil erosion, add organic matter to the soil, provide both food and cover for wildlife, and beautify the landscape. Plants not only provide humans a source of food, livestock feed, and aesthetic value, but also serve as reservoirs of genetic characteristics useful in plant breeding.
