Experimental Zoology Group
The Experimental Zoology group, led by chairholder 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)
Chairholder
Professor Florian Muijres is chair of Experimental Zoology. His research integrates biology and physics to understand the functional morphology and biomechanics of animal locomotion. Trained in aerospace engineering, he specialises in the biomechanics and aerodynamics of flight in birds, bats, and insects. A key focus of his work is on insects of societal relevance—such as malaria mosquitoes and pollinating bees—linking fundamental research to real-world applications.
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.
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