An Ecogenetic Research Programme with Introduced Plants

Abstract

The impact upon the Australian ecological scene of the introduced flora and fauna which accompanied, or followed, the European discoverers and immigrants has been the subject of many observations and discussions, but of all too few systematic studies. Even less attention has been paid to the impact which in turn the new environment has had upon the plant migrants themselves. What were they like when they came, how did they react to the new environment? Are changes discernible and, if so, how have these contributed to adaptation? Can we relate such changes to the ecological conditions of the new habitats?