University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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Thomas Duda Jr.

Thomas Duda Jr.

  • Associate Professor
  • Director of the Frontiers Master's Program
  • Ph.D., Harvard University, 1996-1999
    University of Hawaii, 1993-1999
  • Duda Lab

Contact information

  • University of Michigan
    1031 Museums Building
    1109 Geddes Ave
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079
  • Phone: (734) 764-2358
  • Fax: (734) 763-4080
  • Email: tfduda@umich.edu

Research interests

I am interested in deciphering the evolutionary history and origins of adaptations in molluscs. This work encompasses the integration of information from ecology, morphology, molecular evolutionary genetics, paleontology and phylogenetics. My research focuses on members of the gastropod genus Conus, one of the most diverse genera of tropical marine molluscs that show a number of feeding specializations. Molecular phylogenies permit the examination of the evolution of a diversity of traits including life history, morphology and feeding mode. These phylogenies also show what influenced the diversification and distributional patterns of this group. I also investigate the molecular evolution of conotoxin genes, genes that encode peptide neurotoxins that are used to stun prey. These genes are members of large gene families, evolve quite rapidly and are presumably related to feeding specializations.