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https://theconversation.com/time-is-their-secret-weapon-the-hidden-grey-army-quietly-advancing-species-discovery-in-australia-175189>
"Each year, many new species of Australian plants, animals and fungi are
discovered and described. It’s detailed, time-consuming work, and much of it
could not be done without the contribution of older Australians.
I’m an evolutionary botanist and I use DNA sequencing to better understand
relationships between plant species – a field known as phylogenetics. My job
involves collecting plant specimens in the furthest corners of Australia.
Time and again I’m helped by older, generally retired Australians with a
passion for the plants I’m working on. In their own time and with their own
resources, they take it upon themselves to explore and document a particular
geographic area or group of plants.
Many have a professional scientific background, although not necessarily in the
field they now contribute to. For these dedicated men and women, passion is
their driver and time their secret weapon.
Without these older Australians, my research wouldn’t be where it is today. So
let me introduce you to a few of them."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
