Expanded Eyesight, Not Limbs, Led Fish Onto Land 385 Millions Years Ago According to New Research by Professor Lars Schmitz

Claremont, Calif. (March 7, 2017) — New research by Assistant Professor of Biology Lars Schmitz suggests that enlarged eyes and expanded visual range in our ancient aquatic ancestors happened before their evolutionary leap from water to land, about 385 million years ago, and was a critical factor in how our brains developed. Schmitz and Professor [Read More...]

March 7, 2017

Press Releases

New Research Finds Theories about Evolution of Nocturnal Life May Be Off by 100 Million Years

Claremont, Calif. (September 3, 2014)— New research by Pitzer College Assistant Professor Lars Schmitz reveals ancient animals may have become active at night 100 million years earlier than previously thought. In “Nocturnality in Synapsids Predates the Origin of Mammals by Over 100 Million Years” in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Schmitz and co-author Kenneth [Read More...]

September 3, 2014

Press Releases

Primordial Perception: Pitzer Professor Lars Schmitz Gives Talk on the Evolution of Eyes

Claremont, Calif. (February 14, 2014)— Assistant Professor Lars Schmitz will discuss his ongoing research into the evolution of eyes on February 18, 2014 at the Malott Commons at Scripps College. Schmitz teaches biology at the W.M. Keck Science Department, a joint program of Pitzer, Claremont McKenna and Scripps colleges. The event is open to all [Read More...]

February 14, 2014

Press Releases

Pitzer College Assistant Professor of Biology Lars Schmitz Wins NSF Grant to Host International Exploratory Research Conference

Claremont, Calif. (December 7, 2012) — Pitzer College Assistant Professor Lars Schmitz has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to organize a “catalysis meeting”—an international gathering of world-renowned, multidisciplinary scientists who come together to focus on a major question in evolutionary biology. Schmitz teaches biology at Pitzer’s W.M. Keck Science Department. The NSF [Read More...]

December 7, 2012

Press Releases

Pitzer College Professor of Biology Lars Schmitz Discovers Existence of Prehistoric “Sea Monster”

Claremont, Calif. (December 7, 2012)—Assistant Professor of Biology Lars Schmitz of Pitzer College’s W.M. Keck Science Department and a team of researchers have discovered evidence of the first giant marine predator to stalk the seas in prehistoric times. The predator appeared after the massive extinction event that practically wiped out life on earth some 250 [Read More...]

December 7, 2012