Project description
Elemental heterogeneity within arthropod exoskeletons reflects a complex interplay of biomineralisation, functional demands, and environmental influences. In decapod crustaceans, claw structures in particular show pronounced spatial variation in elemental composition, linked to mechanical performance, feeding ecology, and evolutionary adaptation. Yet, despite growing interest in crustacean biomechanics, the fine-scale distribution of elements within claw tissues—and how these patterns relate to function and environmental conditions—remains incompletely resolved, especially using high-resolution mapping approaches. Elemental mapping techniques (e.g. SEM-EDS, micro-XRF) provide a powerful means to visualise and quantify the distribution of key elements such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus across claw structures. These methods enable detailed reconstruction of compositional gradients within cuticle layers, offering insight into how claws are reinforced for strength, wear resistance, or flexibility. This project will draw on modern crab specimens and, where possible, comparative fossil material, to investigate spatial variation in elemental composition across claw morphologies with differing ecological roles. The student (Masters) will analyse elemental maps of crab claws, integrating these data with morphological and functional interpretations to assess how elemental distributions correlate with claw use (e.g. crushing vs cutting). Outcomes will advance understanding of arthropod biomaterials, linking microstructural chemistry to mechanical performance and ecological function. More broadly, the project will contribute to ongoing efforts to interpret functional and environmental signals in both modern and fossil arthropods, providing a framework for reconstructing behaviour and adaptation in deep time.
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You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.