Experimental Zoology
The Experimental Zoology group, led by Florian Muijres, studies how moving animals function in their complex natural environment. We do this by combining physics, engineering, molecular techniques, and modelling in a quantitative systems analysis. This provides insights that we use to offer solutions for societal problems.
Research themes
Biomechanics of moving animals
To unravel how natural movement systems function, we study the biomechanics and neuro-muscular control of moving animals.
Bioinspired design
In this research theme, we aim to answer the question: how can we learn from nature and translate this knowledge to our own designs and technologies?
Evolutionary biology
We study how complex adaptations evolve and what their developmental consequences are for maternal-fetal interactions during pregnancy.
Developmental zoology
How do cells in multicellular organisms (self-)organize to form a complex body plan with an amazing functional repertoire, including reproduction, the repair after injuries, and navigation to find food and mating partners?
Education
Education by Experimental Zoology
The Experimental Zoology group (EZO) provides a captivating range of BSc courses that immerse students in the fundamental principles of zoology. By grasping these principles, students gain insight into the remarkable abilities of animals to thrive and propagate in their natural habitats. Expanding upon these foundations, EZO further enriches students' knowledge through a compelling selection of MSc courses, paving the way for their MSc thesis journey within EZO.
Publications & Projects
The mission of the Experimental Zoology group is to unravel the relationships between form and function in zoological systems in a developmental and evolutionary context and to provide bio-inspired solutions for technological and medical problems
Highlighted publications
- A comparative analysis of planarian regeneration specificity reveals tissue polarity contributions of the axial cWnt signalling gradient
- Adaptations in wing morphology rather than wingbeat kinematics enable flight in small hoverfly species
- Artificial selection for adult predation survival affects life history and morphology in guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Chair Holder
Florian Muijres, Ph.D., is the chair holder of Experimental Zoology. With a background in aerospace engineering, he specialises in the amazing biomechanics and aerodynamics of flight in birds, bats, and flies. He runs the Animal Flight Lab at WUR: a team of biologists, physicists and engineers. ‘Bumblebees are important pollinators in both nature and agriculture, whereas the mosquito is the most dangerous animal in the world. Therefore, our research consists of both primary and more applied research.’
prof.dr.ir. FT (Florian) Muijres
Professor / Chairholder
People of Experimental Zoology
Each chair group of Wageningen University & Research, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. Meet the people of this Chair Group.
Follow us on social media
Stay up-to-date and learn more through our social channel.