Origins of the northern Australian flora: Role of the Sunda-Sahul Floristic Exchange (Old ID 23636)

Supervisor

I am investigating the origins of the northern Australian flora, and specifically, the exchange of flora with Southeast Asia when Australia collided with the Eurasian plate approximately 25 Mya. This exchange was key in shaping Australia’s northern flora, however the patterns, dynamics and extent of its contribution is poorly understood. Using a comparative phylogenetic approach, I aim to characterise the contribution and timing of exchange, establish whether the exchange was directionally biased, identify dispersal tracks of Asian taxa through northern Australia, and investigate underlying dispersal mechanisms. This research can inform conservation decisions and enhance understanding of evolutionary processes across Australasia.

01 Nov 2017 - 31 Dec 2018

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