In Memoriam: Dr. John Damuth

The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at UC Santa Barbara would like to acknowledge the life and work of distinguished research biologist Dr. John Damuth. Dr. Damuth was a pioneering figure in the fields of evolutionary biology, vertebrate paleontology, and ecology, with a career that spanned decades of transformative research.

John is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking discovery, now widely referred to as Damuth’s Law, which describes the relationship between population density and body size among herbivorous mammals. This work, first published in Nature in 1981, has had a lasting impact on the field and continues to be frequently cited. His research advanced our understanding of ecological scaling laws, mammalian evolution, and multilevel selection, contributing to major developments in both macroevolution and macroecology.

A dedicated scientist, John’s contributions extended beyond his publications. He played a key role in the development of influential paleobiological databases, including the Paleobiology Database and the New and Old World (NOW) Mammal Database, which continue to be vital resources in paleontology research today. His commitment to fostering collaborative projects, such as his involvement with the Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems (ETE) project at the Smithsonian Institution, further exemplifies his lasting influence on the scientific community.

John’s legacy is not only found in his remarkable scientific contributions but also in the mentorship and guidance he provided to generations of students and colleagues. His deep curiosity, humility, and passion for understanding the natural world will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife, Dr. Susan Mazer, during this difficult time.

Dr. John Damuth’s contributions will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, and his presence will be sorely missed in our department and beyond.