Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Why diving marine mammals resist brain damage from low oxygen

Certain animals--including dolphins, whales, and sea otters--appear to be protected from low oxygen by elevated levels of oxygen-carrying proteins in their brains, according to a new study by UCSC researchers.

High-tech conservationist: Grad student helps fight local battle against logging

UCSC graduate student Adelia Barber took time away from her dissertation to conduct a timberland analysis for a grassroots group opposed to logging in an area of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Study of kelp harvesting finds bull kelp more vulnerable than giant kelp

As demand grows for kelp extracts, harvesters may begin to target bull kelp. If so, there may be cause for concern, according to UCSC biologists.

Gift from botanist Jean Langenheim establishes Endowed Chair in Plant Ecology and Evolution

UCSC has appointed Ingrid Parker, associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, to the newly established Jean H. Langenheim Endowed Chair in Plant Ecology and Evolution.

Small-scale fishing in Mexico rivals industrial fisheries in accidental turtle deaths

New research shows that a small-scale Mexican fishery--operated by hand from small open boats--can kill as many critically endangered loggerhead sea turtles as all of the industrial fishing fleets in the North Pacific Ocean put together.

Three-way mating game of North American lizard found in distant European relative

New findings suggest "rock-paper-scissors" dynamic may be a fundamental evolutionary pattern among social animals.

Beyond the Ivory Tower: The work of three graduate students at UCSC is protecting threatened species around the globe

At UC Santa Cruz, graduate student research is not just about earning a degree. In every field of advanced study, UCSC attracts graduate students who are eager to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to find solutions to global challenges.

UCSC professor emeritus William Doyle publishes new reference for California botanists

William T. Doyle, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology, has published a comprehensive reference on the liverworts and hornworts of California.

Influential fisheries ecologist Steven Berkeley dies at age 60

Steven A. Berkeley, an influential fisheries ecologist whose research helped propel the expansion of marine reserves, died at home in Scotts Valley on June 27 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 60.

Study shows lizard moms dress their children for success

UCSC researchers have found that female side-blotched lizards are able to induce different color patterns in their offspring in response to social cues, "dressing" their progeny in patterns they will wear for the rest of their lives.

Scientists reconstruct prehistoric behavior and ecology of northern fur seals

A team of researchers has documented major changes in the behavior, ecology, and geographic range of the northern fur seal over the past 1,500 years using a combination of techniques from archaeology, biochemistry, and ecology.

Large blooms of toxic algae in Monterey Bay are affecting marine animals

Researchers have detected large blooms of toxin-producing algae in Monterey Bay that appear to be poisoning marine mammals and seabirds.

Art meets science in campus Earth Day mural project

UCSC graduate student's research leads to environmental victory in Coronado Islands

Graduate student Shaye Wolf's findings have helped save endangered seabirds from the potentially devastating effects of a liquified natural gas facility planned for a site in Baja California.

UCSC students monitor peregrine falcons after release at Long Marine Lab

Three peregrine falcons released by the UC Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group are testing their wings around Long Marine Laboratory under the watchful eyes of a group of UCSC students.

UCSC biologist Terrie Williams wins 2007 Women of Discovery Award

Terrie Williams, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, joins Jane Goodall and three other scientists as winners of the 2007 Women of Discovery Awards from Wings WorldQuest.

Chance discovery sheds light on the fates of young salmon

Fisheries scientists are gaining unexpected insights from the serendipitous discovery on Año Nuevo Island of tiny tags that had been implanted in juvenile salmon and steelhead in coastal creeks.

New book explores the effects of whales and whaling on ocean ecosystems

<i>Whales, Whaling, and Ocean Ecosystems,</i> a new book from the University of California Press (December 2006), explores an aspect of whale ecology that until now has received surprisingly little attention--the role of whales in ocean ecosystems.

Eminent marine biologist Jane Lubchenco will give annual Keeley Lecture at UCSC on Monday, January 29

Jane Lubchenco, an eminent marine biologist and leading scientific voice on issues of marine policy and environmental sustainability, will deliver the third annual Fred Keeley Lecture at UCSC on Monday, January 29.