Identify two reasons why maintaining a large, living plant collection is an important public and scientific resource.

Biodiversity Conservation: A large, living plant collection serves as a crucial resource for biodiversity conservation. It provides a safe haven for a variety of plant species, including those that are rare, endangered, or extinct in the wild. By maintaining these collections, we can help preserve the genetic diversity of plant life on Earth, which is essential for the health and resilience of ecosystems.

Research and Education: Such collections are also invaluable for scientific research and education. Researchers can study the plants to learn more about their biology, ecology, and medicinal properties, among other things. This can lead to new discoveries and advancements in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Meanwhile, the public can visit these collections to learn about plant diversity, ecology, and conservation, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world.