Evolutionary Biology

To better understand evolution on Earth, it's no surprise scientists have turned to evolutionary biology to see how the current diversity of life on our planet came to be.


On this page, you'll find information about evolutionary biology as a discipline, what University of Alberta biologists are researching, and the effect their work has.

What Is Evolutionary Biology?

Evolutionary biology is a branch of biology where scientists examine the evolutionary processes (natural selection, common descent, and speciation) that led to the current biodiversity of organisms on our planet.

It is speculated that the current population of organisms can trace their heritage back to a single common ancestor (often referred to as the last universal common ancestor or LUCA), and evolutionary biologists use this theory as a framework for much of their research.


 

Evolutionary Biology News

Read some of the exciting news stories about UAlberta biologists whose work is helping excavate Earth's evolutionary mysteries.

Read evolutionary biology news

 


Featured Faculty Projects

Olav Rueppell’s research on honey bees

A hive of activity: New UAlberta researcher focuses on social evolution in honey bees

Olav Rueppell shares his research and thoughts on joining UAlberta’s vibrant Department of Biological Sciences.


Researchers examined a strikingly well-preserved fossil of the rear-limbed snake Najash rionegrina, found in Argentina. Photo courtesy of Fernando Garberoglio.

An ancient snake's cheekbone sheds light on evolution of modern snake skulls

100-million-year old legged snake fossil provides critical insight into how the heads of modern snakes evolved.



UAlberta Evolutionary Biologists

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