Land plants evolved about half a billion years ago from algae, and have since transformed the planet. They have become bigger (or smaller) and more complex, evolving branches and roots, leaves and flowers, and various ways to survive in a changing environment.

How did all these complex plants evolve?

To understand this, we need to know how the genes evolved that control the growth and development of plants. It can be difficult to do this from fossils, where there is often not enough DNA left to sequence. Even then, it may be hard to know what the function of those genes would have been.

In this talk, Dr Renske Vroomans will explain how computer simulations are used to study how plants evolved their growth over long evolutionary time scales.

A programme of free, informal, monthly science talks bringing the latest discoveries in plant science, as well as research linked to the plant collection at CUBG to our visitors in a 30 minute nutshell.

These talks will be delivered from the classroom in the Botanic Garden.

Please check the website and social media for updates.

Suitable for adults and children aged 12+

Talks run monthly March to July.