Big Biology Evolution at the speed of life (Ep 145)
Feb 12, 2026
David Reznick, Distinguished Professor of Biology at UC Riverside known for long-term Trinidadian guppy studies. He recounts transplant experiments and rapid life history changes in guppies. Discussion covers how predation, density, and resources drive evolution. They explore eco‑evolutionary dynamics and what studying guppies reveals about evolution unfolding in the wild.
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Rivers As Natural Replicate 'Test Tubes'
- Trinidadian rivers provide natural replication where guppy life histories differ above and below waterfalls.
- Each river drainage acts like an independent evolutionary 'test tube' for studying adaptation in the wild.
Use Historical Literature To Find Big Gaps
- Do deep literature reviews to find gaps where new empirical work will have the biggest impact.
- Use historical synthesis to define precise, high-impact research questions.
Turning Point: Endler Talk Sparked A New Project
- David Reznick switched his dissertation midstream after hearing John Endler's talk about guppies and predation patterns.
- He traveled to Trinidad, collected live females, and built a rigorous life-history dataset that became his thesis foundation.