Category: Evolutionary Biology
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Matthew Fuxjager, Wake Forest University – Roll Snap Golden Manakins
A small bird is pushing the limits of muscle performance. Matthew Fuxjager, assistant professor of biology at Wake Forest University, explores how one bird helps itself with faster muscle movements. Dr. Matt Fuxjager is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Wake Forest University. He received his MS from the University of North Carolina…
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Nikos Solounias, New York Institute of Technology – How Many Toes Do Horses Have?
Horse’s anatomy might need a re-write. Nikos Solounias, professor of anatomy and basic sciences at the New York Institute of Technology, examines whether horses have more toes than previously thought. Nikos Solounias, Ph.D., specializes in evolutionary biology, paleontology, anatomy. His research focuses on living and extinct ungulates such as horses, giraffes, and antelopes. Solounias teaches…
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Chris Austin, Louisiana State University – DNA from Museum Specimens
Can you extract DNA from museum specimens? Christopher Austin,associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and head curator of amphibians and reptiles in Museum of Natural Science at Louisiana State University, explores a new way to gather information on the past. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of California at Davis and…
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Gaberiel Bever, New York Institute of Technology – Turtle Skulls
The turtle shell is an iconic feature. Gaberiel Bever, assistant professor of anatomy at the New York Institute of Technology, explains his new findings in the evolutionary history of turtles. Dr. Gaberiel Bever is an evolutionary biologist and paleontologist who studies the origin of vertebrate body plans using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the fossil…
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Chris Pires, Mizzou – Evolving Together
Sometimes the evolution of two organisms occurs in tandem. Chris Pires, associate professor in the division of biological sciences at the University of Missouri, is studying this type of evolution – commonly called co-evolution. Dr. Chris Pires studies the evolution of plants. He does this by comparing the genetic material of plants that are known…
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Jennifer Cramer, American Public University – Colorful Monkeys
Male vervet monkeys have a colorful genital and perineal area and engage in red-white-and-blue displays to show off their colors. Jennifer Cramer, assistant professor at American Public University, studies monkey coloration to learn more about what colorful skin may communicate to other monkeys. Jennifer Cramer earned a BS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign…
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Jaime Cloud, Western Oregon University – Mating Psychology
What’s the first thing you noticed about the opposite sex? As it turns out, that might depend on what you’re looking for! Jaime Cloud, an evolutionary psychologist at Western Oregon University, profiles human mating psychology. Jaime Cloud received her Ph.D. in evolutionary psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2012, studying under Dr.…
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Tim Mousseau, University of South Carolina – Radioactive Environments
Nuclear disasters, naturally, affect the life in the surrounding areas. Tim Mousseau, a biologist at the University of South Carolina, is studying both Chernobyl and Fukushima to see how far the radioactive damage may go. Timothy Mousseau is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina (USC). Former positions include Associate Vice…
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Kimberly Hughes, FSU – Outstanding Guppies
Sometimes it pays to be different, especially if you’re a guppy looking to mate. Kimberly Hughes, a biologist at Florida State University, analyzes the reproductive advantage colorful guppies have over their blander peers. Dr. Kimberly Hughes is a professor of biological sciences at Florida State University where she also runs The Hughes Laboratory. At the…
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Yoel Stuart, UT Austin – Fast Lizard Evolution
Do outside factors influence evolution? Dr. Yoel Stuart, a biologist at UT Austin, is studying a species of lizard that is very quick to adapt. Yoel Stuart is a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at Austin. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University. Stuart’s research explores ecology…