“The idea of how organisms and their cells evolve is still a big burning question,” says Michael Gray, Evolutionary Biologist at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
These days the study of evolution is highly technical, requiring the techniques of molecular biology and the skills of sophisticated mathematical modelers.
"This way we cross barriers--something [that is] very difficult-- and the students benefit from a different way of doing science, from a broader perspective," says group leader Moya.