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Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior

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Pointy eggs more likely to stay put in birds’ cliffside nests

Pointiness pays off for the eggs of cliff-dwelling birds, a new study reveals.

In darters, male competition drives evolution of flashy fins and bodies

A new study of orangethroat darters reveals that the males’ ability to recognize their own and other species drives the evolution of their bright display colors.

In responding to predation risk, secondhand experience can be as good as new

A new animal biology study of stickleback fish by Illinois animal biologist Alison Bell (left) and former Illinois doctoral student Laura Stein (right) shows that individuals show the same molecular and developmental responses to their own versus their parent’s exposure to predators

Two Illinois faculty members elected AAAS Fellows

Animal biology professor Carla Caceres is a new Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Seeing the world like a fish

Animal biologist develops app to see fishing lures through the eyes of a bass

Some plants grow bigger – and meaner – when clipped, study finds

Like a Hydra, some plants grow bigger and boost their chemical defenses after being clipped.

Scientists discover spring-loaded mechanism in unusual species of trap-jaw ant

U. of I. animal biology professor Andrew Suarez and his colleagues describe the unusual mechanics that enable Myrmoteras ant jaws to snap closed in half a millisecond.

Lizard blizzard survivors tell story of natural selection

Julian Catchen, Shane Campbell-Staton and their colleagues found genetic, regulatory and physiological signatures of natural selection in green anole lizards that survived a bout of extremely cold weather in South Texas.

Brief interactions spur lasting waves of gene activity in the brain

A new study measured robust changes in brain gene expression for up to two hours after a three-spined stickleback fish encountered another fish.

Study reveals 10,000 years of genetic continuity in northwest North America

Anthropology professor Ripan Malhi works with Native Americans and First Nations groups to analyze their DNA and that of their ancestors.