David Hillis

Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas-Austin, and owner of the Double Helix Ranch. Phylogenetics, evolution, genetics, and biodiversity.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@wngmng680090410 Sampling contact zones to see if genetic variation is discrete or continuous.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

The question of how to distinguish species boundaries from intraspecific geographic variation is now more of an issue than ever in the genomic age. https://t.co/Kz5fXdZPqm

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@MauroMardones Sent!

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@MauroMardones Yes, certainly. Can you send me your e-mail address?

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@JamesAl0410008 Phenotypic gaps (especially in sympatry) are, of course, evidence for reproductive isolation. On the other hand, continuous phenotypic change across geographical space is evidence against it.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

Congratulations to the newest members elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in Evolutionary Biology today: Beth Shapiro, Fred Nijhout, and Jonathan Pritchard! Also International Member Valeria Souza from Mexico!

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

Marcia McNutt discussing the importance of public engagement in science in her Presidential address at #NAS162.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

Congratulations to David Queller on his induction to the US National Academy of Sciences in Evolutionary Biology! #nas162

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

Congratulations to Ray Huey on his induction to the US National Academy of Sciences in Evolutionary Biology! #NAS162

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

Congratulations to Adriana Briscoe, Ray Huey, David Queller, and Nick Barton, on their induction to the US National Academy of Sciences in Evolutionary Biology! #NAS162

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

It is warm enough on this late November day at the Double Helix Ranch for this Red-Striped Ribbon Snake to be swimming around, looking for Cricket Frogs.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@ClausWilke Sad but true.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@ClausWilke I think it likely depends on the field. I study systems where knowing the literature and details of what has been done is critical, and NOT optional. In my field, those who don't read the literature write terrible, problematic papers. And yes, there are lots of those.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@ClausWilke I am old-school, so I still read the literature. But I am in a field that requires thorough understanding of the details of the systems I study. In the case of this h-index paper, I confess to just reading the summary sections.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@lauren_a_hillis @TheTedAllen DeKay’s snake, also called a Brown snake (Storeria dekayi). This is actually an adult. They are harmless.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@jakeberv Nice job, Jacob!

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@cenewman0 We don't have the incumbent as a candidate anymore, and I think Harris indeed does have a much better chance than Clinton did. Anyone who supported Clinton will support Harris, and she will gain the support of many who did not support Clinton, because of her moderate positions.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@jakeberv The Chisos at sunset:

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

My first trip up this road into the Chisos Mountains was 50 years ago in an un-air-conditioned Ford Pinto. The ride has improved a lot since then.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

@jakeberv Yes indeed.

[David Hillis @David_Hillis]

Cybertruck earning its keep working on the Double Helix Ranch.