What is a botanical garden ?

Options

A. It is essentially a collection of living plants maintained for both pure and applied studies
B. It is essentially a collection of plants only
C. It is essentially the collection of rare and fossil plants
D. It is for research work

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of a Botanical Garden**: A botanical garden is primarily defined as a collection of living plants that are maintained for various purposes, including scientific research and education.

2. **Purpose of Botanical Gardens**: These gardens serve multiple functions:
- **Scientific Study**: They provide a controlled environment for the study of plant species, their growth, and their interactions with the ecosystem.
- **Public Education**: Botanical gardens often have educational programs to inform the public about plant diversity, conservation, and the importance of plants in our ecosystem.
- **Aesthetic and Recreational Purposes**: They are designed to be beautiful spaces for recreation and enjoyment, showcasing the beauty of various plant species.

3. **Facilities in Botanical Gardens**: Many botanical gardens include additional facilities such as:
- Libraries: For research and educational resources.
- Laboratories: For scientific research and experiments.
- Herbariums: For the preservation and study of plant specimens.
- Museums: To exhibit plant-related artifacts and information.

4. **Examples of Botanical Gardens**:
- **International Example**: The New York Botanical Garden is a well-known botanical garden located in the United States.
- **Indian Example**: The Jawahar Lal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden in Trivandrum, Kerala, is notable for being the largest in India and conserving a vast number of plant species.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "What is a botanical garden?" is that it is essentially a collection of living plants maintained for both pure and applied studies.