Allan Larson's research combines natural history and molecular biology to evaluate patterns and processes of evolution at multiple levels of biological complexity.
Allan Larson is director of undergraduate studies in biology. His main interests are in evolutionary biology, genetics, and the histories of these disciplines. Published work applies molecular population genetics and phylogenetics to understanding patterns and processes of evolution at multiple levels of biological complexity, including historical biogeography, genomic evolution, developmental and morphological evolution, and the genetic structures of natural populations, especially of salamanders and lizards. The geographic scope of past studies includes populations native to the United States, Caribbean islands, eastern and western Asia, South Africa, South America, and moray eels of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
He offers courses in molecular evolution, macroevolution, and the history of evolutionary theory, and coauthors textbooks in zoology. Together with Dr. Garland Allen, he is preparing an online resource of original readings in the history of evolutionary theory, with commentary on the major evolutionary themes encompassed by these works.
Photo caption: An Asian salamander, Tylototriton, shanjing.