Simon Darroch

Graphical abstract. Frondlets in twin pairs coming off a worm like base. Arrows showing water movement at different speeds through the frondlets

Vanderbilt-led Group Discovers Divergent Function in Convergent Evolution of Form

Feb. 22, 2023—By: Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator The classic idiom form fits function does not always mean that everything of the same form has the same function. That’s what a group of paleontologists have discovered with the help of fluid physics and preserved fossils. Simon Darroch, assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, led a...

Time scale of different ecological terms. Ecology is for hours to centuries, historical ecology is for decades to millenia. Paleoecology is millena to millions of years.

Vanderbilt researchers bring paleoecology into the 21st century

Jul. 7, 2022—By Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator Science is an inherently collaborative endeavor. When a respected colleague courteously disagrees with your point of view, it can lead to great new papers, perspectives and collaborations. In that same vein, feedback from editors and reviewers of academic journals is an often-understated driver of new research directions. Assistant...

Group of researchers stands in front of Coon Creek

ESI Group Visits Coon Creek Science Center

Mar. 28, 2022—On Saturday, 3/26/22, a handful of members of the Evolutionary Studies Initiative took a field trip to Coon Creek Science Center (CCSC) to dig for fossils. It was a beautiful day where many trainees that have never studied paleontology got to get out and do some field work. Michael Gibson, a faculty at the University...