evolutionary biology

Oct 10, 2023

How Does Constant Evolution Keep Species Stable?

Biologist Brian Langerhans talks about a new study that could offer answers to evolution’s “stasis paradox.”

Jan 18, 2023

How Shapeless Blobs of Cells Grow Into Wriggling Worms

Science
“We are beginning to get at how a larva produces an adult body plan,” said Christina Zakas, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Aug 15, 2022

Statistical Tool Finds ‘Gaps’ in DNA Data Sets Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Jeff Thorne, a professor of biological sciences and statistics, explains how a simple statistical test could help evolutionary biologists avoid bias in analyses.

Jun 18, 2019

How Dogs Evolved ‘Puppy Dog Eyes’

Researchers have discovered the secret of the "puppy dog eyes" dogs use to tug at human heartstrings.

Apr 27, 2018

City Fish Evolve Different Body Forms Than Country Fish

Some stream fish evolve sleek body shapes in urbanized waters, while others become less streamlined. Biologist Brian Langerhans examines the body shape disparities between city and rural fish.

Jan 17, 2018

Why Don’t Turtles Still Have Tail Spikes? Researchers Explain Why Tail Weaponry Is Rare

A new study explains how the evolution of tail weaponry in dinosaurs required a perfect storm of traits not seen in living animals today.

Feb 3, 2016

Mixed Signals: Insect Species Use Very Different Chemicals to Identify Queens

A new study led by an NC State researcher finds important variations among chemical signals used to distinguish queens in different insect species.