Michael Stern (zoologist)

Michael Stern is a zoologist known for his research on the evolution and development of animal morphology, particularly in the context of crustaceans and insects. His work integrates developmental biology, evolutionary biology, and genomics to understand how diverse body plans arise. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying segmentation, appendage formation, and other key aspects of animal development. His research often involves comparative studies across different species to identify conserved and divergent developmental pathways. Stern's publications have appeared in leading scientific journals, and he is a frequent speaker at international conferences on evolutionary developmental biology ("Evo-Devo"). His work is influential in the field of understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype and the evolutionary processes that shape animal diversity. He has also been involved in science outreach initiatives to promote public understanding of evolution and developmental biology.