We study the biology of animals, plant and microbes, from the individual to the population-level, to understand the processes driving the natural world.

We are learning how the current climate and ecological crises affect natural ecosystems, so that we can predict and mitigate these effects.  Our health and prosperity rely on healthy ecosystems, which is why understanding them is so important.

Watch our videos to learn more about our research.

Staff in the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour

Our challenges

Adaptation to Environmental Change

We are discovering how species are changing during the climate emergency to understand the long-term consequences of this on the natural environment.

Ecology and Evolution of Host-Microbe Interactions

We study how symbionts, pathogens and parasites evolve and the ecological consequences of these evolutionary changes.

Evolutionary Genomics

We use state-of-the-art genomics methods to discover how species evolve.

Social Behaviour

Our work is studying the mechanisms and consequences of how members of species interact.

Case studies

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-veterinary-and-ecological-sciences/about/evolution-ecology-and-behaviour/impact/mousehandling/ Image of mouse handling

Changing the practice of handling mice

We have developed new methods for handling mice that improves animal welfare.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-veterinary-and-ecological-sciences/about/evolution-ecology-and-behaviour/impact/condatis/ Image of butterfly

Habitat planning for biodiversity resilience

We have developed software that can be used to quantify the effect that habitat restoration will have on long-distance, multi-generational movement of species.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-veterinary-and-ecological-sciences/about/evolution-ecology-and-behaviour/impact/brazil-slums/ Slums in Brazil

Reducing disease in Brazilian slums

We are improving the health and life prospects of people in slum communities across Brazil and elsewhere in the world, by studying animal reservoirs of disease, and empowering local communities to effect positive change.

Accreditations

Athena SWAN Silver Award

We're proud to hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our impact
Selection of comics titles 'Making an impact'

Making an impact

Our research reveals fundamental information about the natural world, but also has immediate, real-world impact. Find out more about our impact.