Were anyone to ask me “how does one become a plant population biologist?”, I’d say “let’s walk and have a look at what grows around here and you will tell me what you see”. I don’t think that “remember species of interest” will cover it.
I think you are very unlikely going to become a plant population biologist without an academic degree. On the other hand you can become a programmer if you learn to code.
I think you are very unlikely going to become a plant population biologist without an academic degree. On the other hand you can become a programmer if you learn to code.
Well, it happens, but such people usually don’t have the means to travel widely and remain “any good” only in their little patch of vegetation.