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Comparative Anatomy in Nature

Organismal and evolutionary biology research at PCOM.

Organismal and Evolutionary Biology 
PCOM Research

Evolution is the guiding force that generates the particular anatomy and physiology of every species. Studies of evolutionary biology help us to understand the mechanisms directing the development and divergence of species, and how changing ecosystems impact the genetic regulation of form and function, health and disease, survival and reproduction.

PCOM’s interdisciplinary group of researchers studies multiple subfields of comparative vertebrate morphology, including biodiversity and systematics (nomenclature and relationships), evolutionary developmental biology, paleobiology (anthropology and paleontology) and physiology. The investigators utilize model organisms to understand factors that both drive and impact the divergence and evolution of many species, including humans.