David G. King, Associate Professor
 
Department of Zoology, College of Science;
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine
 
B.S.,  Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 1970
Ph.D.,  Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, 1975
 
Office:  Life Science III 2084
Phone:  618-453-1509
Email:  dgking@siu.edu
 
  
Areas of special interest:
 
Evolution     |     Neurobiology     |     Histology

Research statement:  How do complex behaviors and other evolutionary adaptations emerge from the molecular organization of cells and genomes?
I address this question by asking another.  How has selection shaped genetic patterns to constrain "random" mutational mechanisms, thereby reducing the risk of severely deleterious mutation while increasing the probability of beneficial mutation?  Recent publications review evidence that supports a functional and evolutionary "tuning knob" role for tandem repetitive DNA.
 
Publication list

 
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Some Southern Illinois nature trails.   |    Miscellaneous links      |     SEARCH THIS SITE

• Facilitating evolution ( 2006 poster, ppt format)
• Adjustable "Tuning Knob" Genes
• Selection for Mutability (brief essay)
• Mutational Landscape (brief essay) (pdf file)
• Evolutionary versatility (abstract)  (old, unpublished essay)
• Comparative neurobiology (2006 essay, 1997 essay)
• Also see publication list

• Comparative genetics and neuroethology
  • 2006 essay
  • 1997 essay
     
• What's so special about giant fibers? [ slides / text ]
  ( NESC meeting presentation, 2007 )
• Evolution of Neural Circuits (2001 essay)
• Cells 'R' Us (1998 "Brain Awareness Week"essay )
  
• Functional Specialization of Nerve Cells (brief essay)
• Nerve cells in Flies (brief essay)
   
• Mental health links

• Histology at SIU School of Medicine
• ZOOL 409 course website