First-year Cohort Field Trip 2007: Angelo Coast Range Reserve (First Row L-R: A. Perkins, M. McGee, S. McCauley, G. Lee, C. Martin. Second Row R-L: S. Dalrymple, A. Lemmon, E. Lemmon, D. Grosenbacher, M. Afkhami, C. Boettiger.)
Population biology is an interdisciplinary field that combines the most advanced techniques in ecology, systematics, genetics, and mathematical or statistical analysis. We work near the interface between ecology, the study of interactions between organisms and their environment, and evolutionary biology, which aims to understand how populations, species and species characteristics evolve. The results provide fundamental knowledge that increases our understanding of processes that cause populations to change and contributes to the development of effective solutions to such problems as overcrowding and species extinction.
We are a graduate group dedicated to the study of the origin and maintenance of biological diversity. Our program offers a foundation in evolution and ecology followed by research in a related area. Paramount in our philosophy is that we attach great value to the intellectual independence of students and the creativity that it encourages.
Chair: David Begun
In the news:
* 04/2009: Population Biology awarded 6 NSF GRFs! Way to go Pop Bio!
* Ctr. for Pop Bio awarded prestigious NSF REACH IGERT
* Peter Wainwright receives Teaching Excellence in Biology 2008
* Brad Shaffer awarded California Fish and Game grant in support of graduate student projects benefiting the California Wildlife Action Plan
* Recent Graduate Matt Holland: "Study: Wildlife Need More complex Travel Plans" UC Davis News 10/20/08
* Professor Geerat Vermeij: "Pacific Shellfish Ready to Invade Atlantic." UC Davis News 08/04/08
And don't forget...
