re: #22 Charles

Before you dismiss the mustard seed example, please read the whole article because there’s quite a bit more evidence than that.

Not dismissing the article.

I am dismissing the example. I am sure that any non native plant that thrives here in California will quickly adapt to the environment to flourish further.

Which places native species at a disadvantage.

Prior to the entire area burning, I had my Boy Scout troop help pull mustard from Poway’s Blue Sky preserve each year. It is thankless work but necessary so that the native species aren’t crowded out.

On another note, I would expect to see a similar article on the rapid change in Eucalyptus varieties here (introduced from Australia by railroads trying to find a fast growing, drought tolerant tree to use for railroad ties - but wood twists as it dries rendering it useless) as they fight off the longhorned beetle. Some new trees are showing resistance to the beetle that was introduced to California in 1985.

wwwlibrary.csustan.edu

Evolution is powerful.