David P. Mindell
Dean of Science & Research Collections
Harry W. and Diana V. Hind Chair
Curator of Ornithology
Professional Background
Dr. Mindell's research focuses on molecular phylogenetics and evolution of birds using nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs. He applies phylogenies to questions regarding the age and tempo of avian and other vertebrate diversifications, and the resolution of taxonomic uncertainties, particularly among Falconiformes. Another research focus concerns the evolution and phylogeny of viruses and their coevolution with birds and other vertebrates.
Select recent publications
Mindell, D. P. 2009. Evolution in the Everyday World. Scientific American 300:82-89. Download PDF »
Johnson, J. A., R. E. Tingay, M. Culver, F. Hailer, M. L. Clarke and D. P. Mindell. 2009. Long-term survival despite low genetic diversity in the critically endangered Madagascar fish-eagle. Molecular Ecology 18:54-63. Download PDF »
Johnson, J. A., M. Gilbert, M. Z. Virani, M. Asim and D. P. Mindell. 2008. Temporal genetic analysis of the critically endangered oriental white-backed vulture in Pakistan. Biological Conservation 141:2403-2409. Download PDF »
Lerner, H. R. L., M. C. Klaver and D. P. Mindell. 2008. Molecular phylogenetics of Buteoninae birds of prey (Aves: Accipitridae). The Auk 125:304-315. Download PDF »
Brown, J. W., J. S. Rest, J. Garcia-Moreno, M. D. Sorenson, and D. P. Mindell. 2008. Strong mitochondrial DNA support for a Cretaceous origin of modern avian lineages. BMC Biology 2008, 6:6 doi:10.1186/1741-7007-6-6 Download PDF »
Mindell, D. P. 2007. This land is your land. Evolutionary Psychology 5:605-611. Download PDF »
Johnson, J. A., K. K. Burnham, W. A. Burnham, and D. P. Mindell. 2007. Genetic structure identified among continental and island populations of gyrfalcons. Molecular Ecology 16:3145–3160 Download PDF »
Brown, J. W., R. B. Payne, and D. P. Mindell. 2007. Nuclear DNA does not reconcile 'rocks' and 'clocks' in Neoaves. Biology Letters 2007 3:3; DOI 10.1098/rsbl.2006.0611 Download PDF »
Watanabe M., M. Nikaido, T. T. Tsuda, T. Kobayashi, D. P. Mindell, Y. Cao, N. Okada, and M. Hasegawa. 2006. New candidate species most closely related to penguins. Gene 378:65-73. Download PDF »
Johnson, J. A., H. R. L. Lerner, Pamela C. Rasmussen and D. P. Mindell. 2006. Systematics within Gyps vultures: a clade at risk. BMC Evolutionary Biology 2006, 6:65. (doi:10.1186/1471-2148-6-65) Download PDF »
Mindell, D. P. 2006. The Evolving World: Evolution in Everyday Life. Harvard University Press. 341 pp. View book and order »
Research Departments
Contact Information: |
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California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-379-5848 / 5348 (assistant / direct)
dmindell@calacademy.org
