Exploring the Ecological World of Professor Angela Moles
In the complex and often surprising world of biology, few researchers have contributed as much to our understanding of global patterns as Angela Tina Moles FRSN. A distinguished New Zealand ecologist, evolutionary biologist, and science communicator, Professor Moles has spent much of her career in Australia uncovering the hidden rules that govern how plants grow, evolve, and interact with their environments.
Currently a professor of botany and ecology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), she leads the Big Ecology Lab, a research hub dedicated to understanding large-scale biological processes. Her work spans from the microscopic details of seed size to the global movements of climbing vines.
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Academic Foundations and Early Research
Professor Moles' journey into the biological sciences began at Victoria University of Wellington, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in 1997. She then moved to Macquarie University to pursue advanced research, eventually completing her PhD in 2004. Her doctoral thesis, titled "The Seed Size Synthesis," laid the groundwork for her future expertise in plant biology.
Following her PhD, she remained at Macquarie University to continue her specialized studies on seed size before transitioning to the University of New South Wales in 2007. To complement her scientific expertise, she also earned a postgraduate diploma in higher education with a focus on the biological sciences in 2006.
Groundbreaking Discoveries in Plant Biology
One of Professor Moles' most intriguing research findings challenges common assumptions about how plants move and grow. Through her studies, she discovered that 92% of vines worldwide twist in an anticlockwise direction. This finding was particularly significant because it contradicted previous scientific predictions that vine direction would be dictated by the sun or the Coriolis effect—the phenomenon where the Earth's rotation causes moving objects to appear to curve.
The World Herbivory Project
Beyond the mechanics of climbing plants, Moles has been a key figure in studying how life forms interact. For the World Herbivory Project, she traveled to 75 different ecosystems across the globe to assess the complex relationships between animals and plants. This extensive fieldwork has provided vital data on how herbivores (animals that feed on plants) influence plant evolution and distribution.
Evolution and Invasive Species
Professor Moles has also dedicated significant research to understanding how plants adapt when they are introduced to new environments. Her work examines the evolutionary changes in plants introduced to Australia, helping scientists understand the impact of invasive species and how they compete with native flora.
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Key Facts
- Current Role: Professor of Botany and Ecology at the University of New South Wales, leading the Big Ecology Lab.
- Major Discovery: Found that 92% of vines globally twist anticlockwise, defying predictions based on the Coriolis effect.
- Research Focus: Seed size synthesis, herbivory (animal-plant interactions), and the evolution of introduced plant species.
- Global Impact: Conducted fieldwork in 75 ecosystems worldwide for the World Herbivory Project.
- Recognition: Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales and recipient of multiple prestigious science medals.
Awards and Professional Recognition
The scientific community has recognized Professor Moles' contributions through numerous high-profile awards. Her ability to bridge the gap between complex research and public understanding was highlighted when she presented "Our Relationship with Weeds" at TEDxSydney in 2012.
Her accolades include:
- L'Oreal/UNESCO for Women in Science Fellowship and the NSW Tall Poppy Award (2008).
- Edgeworth David Medal (2010).
- Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year (2013).
- Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales (Elected 2017).
- Australian Ecology Research Award from the Ecological Society of Australia (2018).
- Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science from the Australian Academy of Science (2021).
Summary of Academic and Professional Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Fields | Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Botany |
| Key Institutions | Macquarie University, University of New South Wales |
| PhD Thesis | The Seed Size Synthesis |
| Notable Research | Global vine twining direction, World Herbivory Project |
| Major Honors | Nancy Millis Medal, Edgeworth David Medal |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Big Ecology Lab"?
The Big Ecology Lab is a research group led by Professor Angela Moles at the University of New South Wales, focused on studying large-scale ecological patterns and biological processes.
Why was her research on vines so surprising?
Scientists previously expected that the direction in which vines twist would be influenced by the sun or the Coriolis effect (the effect of Earth's rotation). However, Moles discovered that 92% of vines twist anticlockwise, which contradicted those predictions.
What is herbivory?
Herbivory refers to the biological interaction where animals (herbivores) consume plants. Professor Moles studied these interactions across 75 different ecosystems globally.
What does "FRSN" stand for in her name?
FRSN stands for Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, a distinction she earned in 2017 in recognition of her scientific contributions.
How does she contribute to science communication?
Beyond her laboratory and field research, she engages with the public through platforms like TEDxSydney, helping to explain complex ecological topics such as our relationship with weeds.