Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

What is Evolutionary History?

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...

The Evidence for Evolution

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary science that involves using principles from disciplines such as engineering, molecular biology, cell biology, and systems biology. It involves remodeling existing organisms from nature or constructing completely new synthetic organisms for applications such as protein or enzyme production, bioremediation, value-added macromolecule production, and the addition of desirable traits to crops, to name a few.
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the human psyche...

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...

Evolutionary Processes in Microbes

Evolutionary Processes in Microbes

Microbial evolution occurs rapidly due to short generation times and a variety of genetic processes, including horizontal gene transfer, mutation, recombination, and genetic drift. These mechanisms collectively enable microbes to adapt swiftly to changing environments.Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows genes to move between different species and occurs through three main mechanisms: conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Conjugation involves direct cell-to-cell contact for DNA...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Bringing bioinformatics to schools with the 4273pi project.

PLoS computational biology·2022

Same author

Using sound to understand protein sequence data: new sonification algorithms for protein sequences and multiple sequence alignments.

BMC bioinformatics·2021

Same author

DNA sonification for public engagement in bioinformatics.

BMC research notes·2021

Same author

Maintaining momentum for collaborative working groups in a post-pandemic world.

Nature ecology & evolution·2021

Same author

Do s genes or deleterious recessives control late-acting self-incompatibility in Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Bignoniaceae)? A diallel study with four full-sib progeny arrays.

Annals of botany·2021

Same author

Sex Allocation and Reproductive Success in the Andromonoecious Perennial Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae). II. Paternity and Functional Gender.

The American naturalist·2018

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Published on: March 31, 2011

Is evolutionary biology strategic science?

Thomas R Meagher¹

¹Centre for Evolution, Genes, and Genomics, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TH, United Kingdom. trm3@st-andrews.ac.uk

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution

|February 16, 2007

Summary

Evolutionary biology research requires strategic engagement with policy and societal relevance. Communicating scientific achievements effectively counters challenges and informs investment strategies for future advancements.

More Related Videos

Predicting the Effectiveness of Population Replacement Strategy Using Mathematical Modeling

Predicting the Effectiveness of Population Replacement Strategy Using Mathematical Modeling

Published on: July 4, 2007

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Published on: March 31, 2011

Predicting the Effectiveness of Population Replacement Strategy Using Mathematical Modeling

Predicting the Effectiveness of Population Replacement Strategy Using Mathematical Modeling

Published on: July 4, 2007

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Science policy
Societal impact of science

Background:

Scientific research funding is strategic investment driven by desired outcomes.
The scientific community needs greater awareness of the policy landscape.
Evolutionary biology operates within societal and policy contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the strategic relevance of evolutionary biology.
To encourage engagement between evolutionary biology and policy.
To address the need for societal awareness of evolutionary biology's contributions.

Main Methods:

Introduction of a new 'Outlook' feature section in the journal Evolution.
Exploration of the interface between society and evolutionary biology.
Discussion of strategic engagement levels for the scientific community.

Main Results:

Strategic relevance of evolutionary biology is critical for securing research investment.
Enhanced communication of societal relevance can counter challenges like the creationist agenda.
Proactive engagement in strategy development is essential for the field.

Conclusions:

Evolutionary biology must actively communicate its societal relevance to inform policy and funding.
The 'Outlook' section aims to foster a better collective understanding of the field's impact.
Strategic engagement is key to advancing evolutionary biology and its applications.