Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
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Arctic ecology field course a memorable experience for students
After studying Arctic ecology and environmental change in the classroom, students experienced it firsthand on a three-week summer field trip .
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Decisive sea otters distinguish differences by touch
Research at Long Marine Laboratory reveals the sensitivity of sea otters’ paws and whiskers, as well as their ability to process tactile information rapidly.
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Adaptable lizards illustrate key evolutionary process proposed a century ago
The ‘Baldwin effect’ has now been demonstrated at the genetic level in a population of dark-colored lizards adapted to live on a lava flow in the desert.
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Tracking marine migrations across geopolitical boundaries aids conservation
By tracking migratory marine species, scientists reveal movements through different countries’ waters and in the open ocean beyond areas of national jurisdiction.
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Among golden-crowned sparrows, a false crown only fools strangers
Researchers can change dominance relationships between birds by altering the colors on their heads, but only if the birds don’t already know each other.
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Study finds 50 times more native trees on rat-free Palmyra Atoll
New research demonstrates a strong positive benefit to native trees after removal of an invasive species.
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Help from the wizarding world
A gift from a Harry Potter–themed virtual running club enables a UC Santa Cruz professor to observe whales in Antarctica
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Biologist Beth Shapiro selected as Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator
Shapiro’s Paleogenomics Lab at UC Santa Cruz uses ancient DNA to study evolutionary history and the effects of environmental change on species and ecosystems.



