Evolutionary Biology

Ancient dna researchers

Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences explore the evolutionary history of animals, plants and humans through genetics, forensic science, palaeontology, developmental biology and bioinformatics.

Our scientists use ancient and modern DNA techniques to ‘travel through time’ so we can understand the evolutionary history of living and extinct vertebrates. We assess the impacts of past environmental change on animal populations, and this provides valuable genetic data for conservation and management of threatened species.

We explore human evolution and migration, in particular the human evolutionary history of Indigenous Australians, through key collaboration with the South Australian Museum and Aboriginal families and communities around Australia.

Our evolutionary biologists also apply expertise in forensic biology and new genomic techniques to analyse highly degraded human remains for the Australian Defence Force, Australian Police and humanitarian agencies.

Ecology and Evolution Series

Free weekly science seminars that are curious and cutting-edge.

Event details

Our research strengths

Leaders in evolutionary biology research

Australian Centre for Ancient DNA

Ancient human migration, megafaunal extinction, ancient microbiomes and forensic analysis, through advanced DNA facilities with dedicated bioinformatics capabilities.

Centre website

Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity

A centre of expertise in systematics, evolutionary biology and biodiversity science, with a focus on Australian flora and fauna.

Centre website

Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage

Safeguarding our national heritage, connecting with communities and informing policy.

Centre website

Evolutionary biology news

9

Jul

Call of the wild

Episode 4, In Their Element Podcast Meet science graduate Jacob Maher, who was sure his career was going to be finding out who's who in the zoo, but graduated with a passion for all things nature.

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