Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
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Low extinction rates made California a refuge for diverse plant species
The remarkable diversity of California’s plant life is largely the result of low extinction rates over the past 45 million years, scientists say.
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Insect-eating bat outperforms nectar specialist as pollinator of cactus flowers
Surprising study of bats that pollinate cactus flowers sheds light on coevolution of plants and pollinators.
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Emerging vector-borne diseases create new public health challenges
Land-use change, globalization of trade and travel, and social upheaval are driving the emergence of diseases in many regions.
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Biologist Pete Raimondi receives Outstanding Faculty Award
Biologist Pete Raimondi has received the 2011-12 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.
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White shark diets vary with age and among individuals
Many white sharks shift from fish to marine mammals as they mature, but individual sharks show surprising variability in a study by UCSC researchers.
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Endangered Hawaiian monk seal is focus of Oct. 4 talk by biologist Terrie Williams
The annual Ken Norris Memorial Lecture at the Seymour Center features UCSC marine biologist Terrie Williams discussing her work with monk seals.
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UCSC study shows how urchin-loving otters can help fight global warming
A new study by two UC Santa Cruz researchers suggest that a thriving sea otter population that keeps sea urchins in check will in turn allow kelp forests to prosper and help reverse a principal cause of global warming.
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Recovery slows for California’s sea otters, 2012 survey shows
The southern sea otter population continues its pattern of tepid recovery, according to the latest population survey.
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Apple’s software brings attention to mountain lion research
Apple’s release of its “Mountain Lion” operating system is drawing attention to the real thing prowling just a few miles from the company’s headquarters. Since 2008, UCSC researchers have captured 36 mountain lions as part of the UCSC Puma Project to better understand the cats’ physiology, behavior, and ecology.
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Biologist James Estes honored by American Society of Mammalogists
Biology professor James Estes will receive the 2012 C. Hart Merriam Award from the American Society of Mammalogists.
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New book by UCSC biologist highlights efforts to save Hawaiian monk seals
Marine biologist Terrie Williams recounts how an abandoned pup named KP2 is helping efforts to save the most endangered marine mammal in U.S. waters.
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Year of the Slug: Great UCSC moments in 2011-12
From the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame to cancer research to its ranking as one of the top “young” universities in the world, UCSC stood in the spotlight this year.