Research by Biologist Ellie Diamant Cited in the New York Times
Ellie Diamant, whose paper examined how decreased human activity during the pandemic changed the beak structure of dark-eyed juncos.
A new research paper coauthored by Ellie Diamant, assistant professor of biology at Bard College, was featured in the New York Times in an article about how decreased human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the beak structure of a bird species. Diamant’s paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and titled “Rapid Morphological Change in an Urban Bird due to COVID-19 Restrictions,” examines how the beaks of urban-dwelling dark-eyed juncos that hatched during and just after lockdowns resembled the beaks of their counterparts in the wild. The paper’s findings suggest this was a case of rapid, adaptive evolution in response to environmental changes such as less human food being dropped. “It seems to really reflect the previous year leading up to that nesting event,” Diamant said. “Who is successful and who is not and which traits they’re passing on.”
The Bard College Biology Program offers courses and research opportunities on a wide variety of topics, including molecular biology, animal physiology, biodiversity, microbiology, sensory biology, climate change, metagenomics, and more. Students in the program receive outstanding preparation for all areas of graduate study in the biological sciences and health professions.
Post Date: 12-17-2025
The Bard College Biology Program offers courses and research opportunities on a wide variety of topics, including molecular biology, animal physiology, biodiversity, microbiology, sensory biology, climate change, metagenomics, and more. Students in the program receive outstanding preparation for all areas of graduate study in the biological sciences and health professions.
Post Date: 12-17-2025