Omland Lab UMBC

04/20/2026

Fox family in my backyard. Watch the third one come running up the hill for dinner. Make sure your sound is on. 😊

02/14/2026

The idea that humans sit atop an evolutionary hierarchy dates back to 1866, when a scientist drew the first tree of life with "Man" at the top.

This inaccurate view still shapes how we think of the animal world, despite decades of genomic evidence proving evolution has no hierarchy.
https://theconversation.com/no-animal-alive-today-is-primitive-why-are-so-many-still-labeled-that-way-266208

02/11/2026

In my article just published in The Conversation, I argue that it is fundamentally misleading to consider the egg-laying echidna as primitive, simple, lower, ancient or basal. AND it is flawed to think of humans as advanced, complex, higher, recent or derived. These arguments are detailed in my book: "Understanding the Tree of Life".

12/19/2025

Looking for a present for that hard to please relative or friend? "Understanding Tree of Life" is small enough to fit in your carry-on to put under the tree. Or buy it for yourself! Happy Holidays everyone.

11/26/2025

With master’s student Alan Reich out radio tracking eastern bluebirds in the non-breeding season. Turned into a spectacular 60° day :-)

11/19/2025

Omland Lab Alums down under - Anna Kearns and Nick Friedman at the Australian Ornithological Conference. Anna did postdoc work on Australian robins as well as ravens beginning in 2012. Nick did his PhD on coloration in orioles and other blackbirds ending in 2012. So great that they overlapped UMBC and now both have new exciting permenant jobs in Australia.

in Perth, Australia

10/08/2025

10 years ago this week, I made my first trip to the Bahamas and began working with Scott Johnson, Shelley Cant, Lynn Gape, Eric Carey, Giselle Deane, and many other colleagues from Bahamas National Trust. We began the “Bahama Oriole Project”. After five years of hard work, our team - which also included many UMBC students - was able to help convince Birdlife International and IUCN to downlist the Bahama Oriole from “critically endangered” to “endangered”. This was some of the most satisfying work of my career, and I’m super grateful for the friendships and collaboration of all of these great people and so many other others on Andros. (Photo with Scott Johnson – 10 years ago this week.)

09/20/2025

Lots of great photos of Omland Lab students doing fieldwork. Thanks to Sarah Hansen for a great article about my new book: “Understanding the Tree of Life”.

Michelle Moyer, Eriberto Osorio

Kevin Omland has spent 25 years teaching and researching evolution. His new book, Understanding the Tree of Life, is the latest in the “Understanding Life” series published by Cambridge University Press. Omland’s contribution challenges what he views as an outdated understanding of evolution a...

09/18/2025

My book is out! “Understanding the Tree of Life" published by Cambridge University Press. Available from Cambridge, Barnes & Noble, Thriftbooks, and lots of local bookstore websites. Amazon has the most complete link including the preface and a sample of chapter 1. Thanks to SO many people at Cambridge and colleagues, friends and family who read chapters etc!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Tree-Life/dp/100920730X

01/02/2025

Congrats to Omland Lab alum Dr. Winter Beckles on his new Big Ideas podcast. Thanks Winter for this interview about our final findings (for now) on the . Winter is now a Lecturer at the University of Miami.

Podcast · Dr. Winter Beckles · From cutting edge discoveries to adventures in the field, explore the big ideas driving experts in biology, conservation, and more.

10/24/2024

Congratulations to Omland Lab alum, Professor Jeffery Peters. PhD UMBC 2007. Nice mentoring award from Wright State University, Ohio. Congrats Jeff!!!

Jeffrey Peters, professor and associate chair of biological sciences, exemplifies excellence in mentorship for faculty, staff and students in the Department of Biological Sciences, creating a work environment in which everyone can thrive. Continue reading →