Poggendorff Lecture: Are Our Weeds Becoming New Native Species? By UNSW Science Prof. Angela Moles
Channel: UNSW Community
Date: 2022-05-15

Introducing species to a new environment creates excellent conditions for evolution, as the species are released from their old enemies and subjected to new conditions. Our work has shown that 70% of the plant species introduced to Australia have changed the way they grow since arriving here. If Australia cannot eradicate introduced species (and it seldom can), then it seems inevitable that many more species will eventually evolve to become unique new taxa. At this point, we will have to decide whether to accept them as new native species or continue trying to control them. While most people do not like the idea yet, I think acceptance of introduced species is just a matter of time. I have been called a witch for these ideas before - bring on the arguments! 

The Poggendorff Lecture was awarded to UNSW Science Professor Angela Moles in 2020. The in-person lecture was held inside Palm House, at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney on Wednesday 11 May and his hosted by Denise Ora with guest speaker Dr Susan Pond.