Evolutionary Biology (EVB)

Section Information

Evolutionary Biology studies how life changes over time, including the origins of species, the diversification of lineages, and the genetic and ecological processes that shape traits. It connects genetics, ecology, paleontology, behavior, and molecular biology to explain how evolution works at different scales.

Modern evolutionary biology uses population genetics, genomics, phylogenetics, experiments, and computational models to study adaptation, speciation, coevolution, and evolutionary dynamics. These tools reveal how natural selection, drift, mutation, and gene flow interact to shape biological diversity.

This section will publish research articles, short communications, and reviews on evolutionary mechanisms, genetic variation, phylogeny, macroevolution, microbial evolution, evo-devo, human evolution, and applied evolutionary science in conservation, health, and agriculture.

Scope

Population Genetics and Evolutionary Mechanisms
- Genetic variation, mutation, and recombination
- Natural selection, drift, gene flow, and migration
- Inbreeding, genetic load, and population structure
- Models of evolutionary change and allele dynamics
Speciation and Evolution of Reproductive Isolation
- Mechanisms of species formation and divergence
- Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers
- Hybridization, introgression, and reticulate evolution
- Speciation across ecological and geographic gradients
Phylogenetics and Comparative Methods
- Reconstruction of evolutionary relationships
- Molecular clocks and divergence time estimation
- Comparative methods to study trait evolution
- Phylogenomics and large-scale evolutionary datasets
Adaptation and Evolution of Traits
- Genetic and phenotypic bases of adaptation
- Convergent evolution and parallel evolution
- Life-history evolution and trade-offs
- Evolution of complex traits and behaviors
Macroevolution and Diversification
- Patterns of speciation and extinction through time
- Adaptive radiations and key innovations
- Evolutionary trends in fossils and the tree of life
- Biogeographic patterns and historical processes
Microbial and Experimental Evolution
- Evolutionary dynamics in microbial populations
- Experimental evolution in lab and controlled environments
- Evolution of antibiotic resistance and virulence
- Adaptation to extreme conditions and novel niches
Evo-Devo and Developmental Evolution
- Evolution of developmental pathways and body plans
- Regulatory networks underlying morphological change
- Gene expression evolution and modularity
- Comparative development across taxa
Human Evolution and Anthropological Genetics
- Origins and diversification of human populations
- Genomic insights into migration and adaptation
- Interactions with archaic humans
- Evolution of traits linked to behavior and disease
Applied Evolutionary Biology
- Evolutionary principles in conservation and management
- Evolution of pathogens, disease dynamics, and vaccines
- Evolution-informed agriculture and breeding strategies
- Predictive models for emerging evolutionary challenges