Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

