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Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

December 03, 2018
Environmental, social changes shift how elephant seals communicate
UC Santa Cruz Ph.D. candidate Caroline Casey retraced biologist Burney Le Boeuf's scientific footsteps and discovered the seals’ threat calls no longer had geographic distinctions. Instead, as the northern elephant seal population had increased, the males’ calls had grown more individualized and complex.
November 19, 2018
Study reveals importance of 'cryptic connections' in disease transmission
Innovative study of fungal disease in bats quantifies unseen interactions that play a key role in the spread of disease through populations and between species.
November 12, 2018
Escape responses of coral reef fish obey simple behavioral rules
Loom-sensitive neural circuits characterized in previous lab studies are shown to underlie complex evasive behaviors observed in a natural environment.
November 09, 2018
ENVS doctoral candidate Paulo Quadri takes top honors for NYC talk
Paulo Quadri, a doctoral candidate in environmental studies, was recognized for giving one of the three best talks during the American Museum of Natural History’s annual Student Conference on Conservation Science.
November 01, 2018
Exhibit showcases art inspired by the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves
'Reserves of Inspiration: Exploring UC Santa Cruz Natural Landscapes' opens November 6 at the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery in Cowell College.
October 23, 2018
Researchers plant baby oysters at Elkhorn Slough
First attempt in California to restore native oysters through aquaculture is led by Kerstin Wasson, adjunct professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz.
October 19, 2018
Creating a culture shift in fieldwork
A workshop designed by a UC Santa Cruz professor and Ph.D. student aims to help scientists learn how to prevent and deal with sexual assault and harassment in field settings, where researchers often work in harsh conditions and close quarters miles from help.
October 10, 2018
Three UCSC professors honored as Fellows of the California Academy of Sciences
Biologist Beth Shapiro and astronomers Claire Max and Natalie Batalha are among 14 new fellows elected to the California Academy of Sciences for 2018.
October 04, 2018
Alumni Profile: Author-naturalist Christian Schwarz crusades on behalf of the planet
With his smart phone in hand, Christian Schwarz is empowering "citizen scientists" to document today's biodiversity in hopes of inspiring action before it's too late.
October 03, 2018
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 .
September 17, 2018
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.
September 06, 2018
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.
September 03, 2018
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.
August 29, 2018
UC Santa Cruz researchers contribute to new assessment of Central Coast climate impacts
Nearly a dozen UC Santa Cruz researchers contributed to a new state-issued report that assesses the dire impacts of climate change throughout California.
August 06, 2018
Coastal Science and Policy graduate program welcomes first cohort of students
The new graduate program in Coastal Science and Policy at UC Santa Cruz will welcome its first cohort of students in fall 2018.
July 26, 2018
New meta-analysis reveals pace and extent of river recovery
A new global meta-analysis by UC Santa Cruz researchers reveals patterns of river responsiveness to disturbances such as oil spills, wastewater contamination, and fires.
July 24, 2018
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.
July 17, 2018
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.
June 12, 2018
Without coral reefs, annual flood damages from storms could double globally
New study shows annual costs soaring to $272 billion, sending a powerful signal about reefs and their importance during the International Year of the Reef.
June 11, 2018
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
May 25, 2018
Diverse campus landscapes are ideal outdoor laboratories—and classrooms
UC Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful landscapes, but its meadows, forests, farm fields, and coastal bluffs also support a range of scientific research and hands-on learning opportunities for students.
May 23, 2018
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.
May 04, 2018
Elkhorn Slough scientist Kerstin Wasson honored as 'wetland hero'
An adjunct professor at UC Santa Cruz, Wasson will receive the 2018 National Wetlands Award for Scientific Research.
May 01, 2018
Undergraduate Eric Medina wins $15,000 Strauss Scholarship to reinvigorate Oakes Garden
Eric Medina, a fourth year at UC Santa Cruz double majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology and Latin American and Latino studies, has received a $15,000 public service scholarship to reinvigorate the garden at Oakes College.
April 26, 2018
Award-winning biologist and writer Sean B. Carroll to speak at UC Santa Cruz
Carroll will give the 2018 Sinsheimer Lecture on Thursday, May 10, followed by a free screening of the film 'The Serengeti Rules' on May 11 at the Rio Theater.
April 16, 2018
Teaching on the edge
Four of UC Santa Cruz’s most innovative educators will offer insights and advice about fostering lively, dynamic, and relevant classrooms during a special edition of the Alumni Weekend Teach-Ins.
April 10, 2018
Coastal stream restoration projects concentrated where residents are 'whiter, wealthier, and more educated,' researchers find
Stream restoration efforts along the coast of Central California are unevenly distributed, with activity more likely to occur in areas that are more highly populated and dominated by residents who are "whiter, wealthier, and more educated," according to an analysis by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
March 20, 2018
Marine researchers say recent sea star wasting disease epidemic defies prediction
Some sea star communities on the west coast could recover, but marine scientists still can’t pinpoint the environmental factors behind the unprecedented disease outbreak.
March 01, 2018
Ecologist Erika Zavaleta elected Fellow of the Ecological Society of America
Zavaleta was honored in recognition of her contributions to the science of ecology.
February 26, 2018
Tracking data reveal the secret lives of marine animals
Seals, whales, sharks, turtles, seabirds, and other marine vertebrates show similar patterns of movement in marine environments.
February 09, 2018
Climate Conference features visionary artist and Smithsonian biologist
The fifth annual Climate Science and Policy Conference presented by UC Santa Cruz brings together a visionary artist and a Smithsonian scientist for an engaging, interdisciplinary conversation about how humans and ecosystems will cope on a warming planet.
February 01, 2018
Polar bears finding it harder to catch enough seals to meet energy demands
As climate change alters their environment a growing number of polar bears are unable to catch enough fat-rich prey to meet their energy needs.
January 08, 2018
How birds' genes influence adaptation to climate change
Biologists involved in the Bird Genoscape Project are racing against time to find out the potential for adaptation in vulnerable populations of birds.