Mastering plants

Do ALL the villagers have to master plants? Some of my villagers are on a learning curve, and this could take a very long time!

It's been a long time since I've played this game. If I remember correctly your village's progress depends on the amount of tech points your scientists have earned and their advancements in that area as well. Everyone does not need to master science skills. Eventually you'll have a master in all three areas and some will be masters in all three areas.

No, just one villager, then the whole tribe elevates in some understanding, ability to heal I guess. I usually take one villager at a time to each of 6 plants, watch to see if if says they "Improved" (check the job on their details, medicine I think). If they just don't "get it" at all afte 2 hits then I release them to other jobs and try another. Usually at least one will respond and improve in that and respond to the rest of the plants and get points. If so, I make them tribe doctor. Altho I think once he or she responds to each plant, then all the rest have the healing ability if you drag them to a sick one. Usually the one you made doc will go to the sick on their own. When nothing much else to do, like I've got everybody working on tech points, I still take that villager around repeating the plants which gives him more points each time it says "Improved" Otherwise they only get points for healing, this get him closer to getting master doctor.

Thank you so much, misty40 and puzzledone! It's a relief to know that not all the villagers will have to take Botany 101.

There is a little trick to this Doctoring business you might want to try. If some of your children "likes" flowers or herbs, allow them to cure all sick villagers. Set their skill to healing and when they turn 14 they will automatically start studying herbs on their own. Of course, once they become Adepts, they will turn into lazy bums so be prepared to force them out of the swimming hole and make them learn another skill.