Go on a journey with John McCosker, Chair of the Department of Aquatic Biology, and learn how the oceans' top predator preys upon its victims. [1:40]

Shannon Bennett studies the mosquito species most responsible for the spread of dengue, which is particularly good at transmitting human pathogens because it has adapted to feed efficiently on humans. [0:55]

Dr. Jack Dumbacher shares a story of what native people of New Guinea call magic, but is actually some sort of biological phenomenon. [2:04]

When he is not deep-sea diving or researching white shark behavior, Dr. John McCosker's interests include aquatic animal evolution and behavior, plus discovering and cataloging the fishes of the Galapagos Islands. [1:17]

It takes a finely tuned ear to describe the characteristics of a frog's call. By studying these animals, scientists like herpetologist David Blackburn are finding new evidence about how changes in ecosystems are causing great changes in...

On his many expeditions, Fisher has uncovered literally a thousand new species of ants. Among his more extraordinary finds include the trap-jaw ant. He collected this species while on a trip to Costa Rica with other entomologists to...

Some of the best discoveries in science are completely serendipitous. Jack Dumbacher discovered, quite by accident, that common New Guinea birds use potent poisons for protection. Find out about the research he did while trekking in the...

Dr. Robert Drewes talks about his too-close-for-comfort encounter with a spitting cobra while doing fieldwork in Kenya. [2:09]

See evolutionary biologist Jack Dumbacher explain how mathematical models can reconstruct the evolution of organisms. [1:38]

Dr. David Blackburn studies the evolution and distribution of frog species in Africa, along with the origin and spread of chytrid fungus, a major threat to frog species worldwide. [1:13]

The California Academy of Sciences sent John McCosker and a team of oceanographers to Grand Comore, an island in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. There, they obtained two coelacanth specimens, which provided researchers...

For environmental biologists, the Galapagos Islands remain deeply inspirational. To a marine biologist like John McCosker, the Galapagos represent a challenge to study evolutionary biology in a place where Darwin never dreamed of going...

Brian Fisher, the California Academy of Science's renowned entomologist, discusses the excitement of choosing a location to do field research. [1:54]

Shannon Bennett studies infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. While invisible to the naked eye, these microbes have a major impact on global human health, which is why the race is on to understand how they...

Dr. Robert Drewes explains how snakes use their venom as a food-obtaining mechanism rather than a protection tool. [1:31]

Find out how the work of Brian Fisher has helped the island nation of Madagascar, which is 90% deforested, preserve what is left of its environmental health. Experience some of the research he has done with many species of ants. [1:20]

Shannon Bennett studies infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. While invisible to the naked eye, these microbes have a major impact on global human health, which is why the race is on to understand how they...

Dr. Robert Drewes, curator of herpetology at the Academy has led two multidisciplinary Academy expeditions to Sao Tome and Principe in past years. The Islands' biogeography presents a unique opportunity to witness evolutionary processes...