Final answer:
Botanical gardens are akin to living museums, with deep historical connections to universities, focusing on conservation, research, and public education. They offer diverse collections of plants, research facilities, and beautiful designs for public enjoyment, often complemented by sustainable practices and collaborations with biodiversity organizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Botanical gardens are living repositories for a diverse range of plants, serving as a "museum" for living plant collections. Originating from different beginnings than zoos, botanical gardens are historically connected to universities rather than to the display of exotic fauna. Botanical gardens like the Missouri Botanical Garden have been associated with research on plant biology and have roots in aiding the medical profession, with the first modern botanical gardens in Europe dating back to the 1500s. Many botanical gardens today, such as the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, are not only for conservation and research but also for public enjoyment and education, incorporating advanced features like sustainable glasshouses and structures like the Super-trees which mimic natural processes.
These institutions often collaborate with organizations such as the National Institute of Biodiversity (INBio) and engage in comprehensive biological research to contribute to the knowledge base of plant species within a region. A botanical garden typically includes herbaria, libraries, and associated databases, which are crucial in conservation efforts as many plant species are increasingly rare in nature. The beauty and design of botanical gardens, with their box-bordered paths and extensive flora, also enhance visitors' quality of life by providing tranquil and aesthetic spaces for relaxation and learning.