From Jurassic Park to The Martian: Five science fiction films that get botany (mostly) wrong
Science fiction films are a firm favourite for many. And whilst the genre specialises in speculative ideas, there is still a much-needed place for factual accuracy. Often, however, scientific detail falls by the wayside in big production films. Why let facts get the way of a good story, eh? Sadly for some, these glaring errors can be a distracting plot hole too far. In this episode, botanist James Wong gives his analysis of the botanical accuracy, or lack thereof, in his favourite sci-fi films. From The Martian to Jurassic Park, who knew plants were so hard to get right.
But it’s not all bad, some films almost get it right. In 2015’s The Martian, botanist-turned-astronaut Mark Watney survives being marooned on the Red Planet by growing his own potatoes. Producing arguably more calories per square metre of growing space than any other conventional crop, potatoes are a logical choice. But the problem lies in how they travelled to Mars.
--
Learn more ➤
Subscribe ➤
Get more from New Scientist:
Official website:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
About New Scientist:
New Scientist was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”. Today our website, videos, newsletters, app, podcast and print magazine cover the world’s most important, exciting and entertaining science news as well as asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human.
New Scientist
1 view
16
1
13 hours ago 00:05:47 1
WAVE 2! Mattel Jurassic World Epic Evolution Minis!!!
2 days ago 00:19:08 1
Every Song from Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie 🐞🎶 Netflix After School
4 days ago 01:30:18 1
Everything Wrong With EVERY Jurassic Park Movie (That We’ve Sinned So Far)
4 days ago 00:14:39 1
The Best Apocalypse Gun in the World
4 days ago 00:14:16 1
Jurassic World Chaos Theory Influencer kit!!! WHATS INSIDE???
5 days ago 00:00:00 4
13 НОВЫХ игр на 3DO от фанатов
5 days ago 00:08:00 2
How I obtained THE Raptor Claw from JURASSIC PARK
6 days ago 00:01:05 1
Sweet Home - Season 3 | Trailer (2024) | NETFLIX (4K) | sweet home season 3 trailer
6 days ago 00:01:11 7
Forza Horizon 5 - Official Universal Icons Car Pack Trailer
6 days ago 00:02:23 1
Jurassic World 4: EXTINCTION | Teaser Trailer | Universal Pictures
7 days ago 00:09:12 2
GIVEAWAY Painting the GREY Beasts of the Mesozoic Creative Beast Previews Episode Eloven 11
7 days ago 00:04:18 13
How Terminator Dark Fate Should Have Ended
1 week ago 01:00:45 1
Jurassic Park | Soothing Lullaby Music with Brachiosaurus Sounds and Peaceful Night Ambience
1 week ago 00:03:03 2
Lo! - Bombardier (Official Video)
1 week ago 00:02:43 1
“Just As You Are“ Song Clip 🎶 Thelma The Unicorn | Netflix After School
1 week ago 00:10:48 4
I Made ALTERNATIVE POSTERS for Iconic Movies!
1 week ago 00:10:28 1
20 Great Games From 1993
1 week ago 00:35:01 1
Dinosaur Vocalization Study | Mesozoic Era - Full Collection
1 week ago 00:00:11 1
Jurassic Giant: Encounter with the Shoebill Stork
1 week ago 00:08:53 1
SPIDERMAN + MOSASAURUS = ? What Is The Outcome?
1 week ago 00:08:49 1
BLUEY + TREX = ? What Is The Outcome?
2 weeks ago 00:04:11 1
“Stronger Together“ Sing Along 🌟 Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie | Netflix After School
2 weeks ago 00:04:17 1
Zack De La Rocha, KRS-One & The Last Emperor - . (Criminals In Action)