Biological Evolution

57 researchers across 7 institutions

57 Researchers
7 Institutions
10 Grant PIs
13 High Impact

Biological evolution research investigates the processes and patterns of life's diversification over time. Studies examine how genetic variation arises, how natural selection and other evolutionary forces shape organisms, and how species adapt to changing environments. Methodologies include molecular analyses of DNA and RNA, comparative studies of anatomy and physiology, fossil record interpretation, and computational modeling. Key sub-fields encompass the evolution of developmental processes, the evolution of complex traits, macroevolutionary trends, and the evolutionary history of specific lineages.

This research has direct relevance to Arkansas's natural resources and agricultural economy. Understanding the evolutionary history and adaptive capacity of native flora and fauna informs conservation efforts for the state's diverse ecosystems, from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi Delta. Evolutionary principles also guide research in crop and livestock improvement, seeking to enhance resilience and productivity in the face of environmental challenges. Furthermore, evolutionary biology contributes to public health by examining the emergence and spread of infectious diseases and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance.

Work in biological evolution draws upon and contributes to genomics, bioinformatics, ecology, and host-pathogen interactions. This research is conducted across multiple institutions within Arkansas, fostering a broad base of expertise and collaboration.

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Top Researchers

Name Institution h-index Citations Career Stage Badges
Peter S. Ungar University of Arkansas 66 13,567 Faculty Grant PI High Impact
Jeremy M. Beaulieu University of Arkansas 44 9,745 Faculty Grant PI High Impact
Richard H. Jr. Adams University of Arkansas 41 7,742 Grant PI High Impact
J. Michael Plavcan University of Arkansas 40 5,180 High Impact
Jeffrey D. Silberman University of Arkansas 38 4,248 High Impact
Andrew James Alverson University of Arkansas 37 7,448 Faculty Grant PI High Impact
Adam M. Siepielski University of Arkansas 34 4,875 Grant PI High Impact
William J. Etges University of Arkansas 33 2,976 High Impact
Almudena Estalrrich University of Arkansas 25 2,519 High Impact
Paul M. Gignac University of Arkansas 23 2,538 Faculty High Impact
Tamara S. Haselkorn University of Central Arkansas 23 3,006 High Impact
Andrew D. Sweet Arkansas State University 22 1,316 Faculty Grant PI High Impact
James Richard Moore University of Arkansas – Fort Smith 22 2,879
Elizabeth C. Ruck University of Arkansas 21 1,442 Postdoctoral High Impact
Nagayasu Nakanishi University of Arkansas 19 1,533 Faculty Grant PI
Richard D. Noyes University of Central Arkansas 19 1,224 Faculty
Erica L. Westerman University of Arkansas 18 1,102 Grant PI
Lucas K. Delezene University of Arkansas 18 1,667 Faculty
Eveline Pinseel University of Arkansas 17 975
Emily S. Bellis Arkansas State University 16 885 Faculty Grants
Genomics And Phylogenetic Studies 48 Plant And Animal Studies 27 Bioinformatics And Genomic Networks 17 Host-Pathogen Interactions 15 Ecology And Vegetation Dynamics Studies 14 Microbial Community Ecology And Physiology 11 Environmental Science Research 10 Animal Behavior And Welfare Studies 9 Wildlife Ecology And Conservation 8 Receptor Mechanisms And Signaling 6 Plant Physiology And Cultivation Studies 6 Animal, Disease Models 5 Molecular Biology Techniques And Applications 5 Diet And Metabolism Studies 5 Insect And Arachnid Ecology And Behavior 5

Strategic Outlook

Global signals from OpenAlex for this research area: where the field is growing, how concentrated leadership is, and where Arkansas sits relative to the world's top-100 institutions. Descriptive only — surfaced as input to the conversation about where to place bets, not a recommendation. Signal confidence: LOW

Global trajectory
25,224 works in 2026
+9.5% CAGR 2018–2026
Leadership concentration
2.3% held by global top 5 institutions
Fragmented HHI 4
Arkansas position
Arkansas not in global top 100
No AR institution among the top-100 contributors to this topic over the 2018–2026 window.

Top US institutions in this area

  1. 1 Harvard University 2,170
  2. 2 University of California, Berkeley 1,284
  3. 3 University of Pittsburgh 1,216
  4. 4 Stanford University 1,109
  5. 5 University of Chicago 1,083

Cross-Institution Connections

Researchers at different institutions with overlapping expertise in Biological Evolution.

Richard H. Jr. Adams University of Arkansas
63%
Scott A. Woolbright UA Little Rock
Scott A. Woolbright UA Little Rock
63%
Singye Tshering University of Arkansas
Scott A. Woolbright UA Little Rock
63%
Leigha Jordan University of Arkansas
Jenna R Miladin University of Arkansas
59%
Scott A. Woolbright UA Little Rock
Lora L. Shadwick University of Arkansas
57%
Samuel N. Messinides Arkansas State University
Samuel N. Messinides Arkansas State University
57%
Alyssa Nolan University of Central Arkansas
Samuel N. Messinides Arkansas State University
57%
Richard H. Jr. Adams University of Arkansas
J. Richard Abbott UA Monticello
57%
Samuel N. Messinides Arkansas State University
Eveline Pinseel University of Arkansas
56%
Hailee Gerner University of Central Arkansas
Samuel N. Messinides Arkansas State University
56%
Singye Tshering University of Arkansas

Researchers with Federal Grants

Erica L. Westerman University of Arkansas 3 grants Nagayasu Nakanishi University of Arkansas 1 grant Emily S. Bellis Arkansas State University 1 grant François B. Lanoë University of Arkansas 1 grant Jeremy M. Beaulieu University of Arkansas 1 grant Andrew D. Sweet Arkansas State University 1 grant Adam M. Siepielski University of Arkansas 1 grant Andrew James Alverson University of Arkansas 1 grant Peter S. Ungar University of Arkansas 1 grant Richard H. Jr. Adams University of Arkansas 1 grant
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