Project description
This project will assess the distribution and biomechanical function of air-filled cavities in the skull of marsupials, called sinuses. The investigation is motivated by previous observations that some marsupials – particularly the vombatiform megafauna – have huge sinus cavities, while others have much more compact skulls. Current hypotheses to explain these differences are not enough because only a few very large species have been investigated. In this project, we will use 3D reconstructions of micro-CT scans like in the figure to assess the volume of sinuses to get a better idea of why these evolve.
Co-supervisors
Dr Aaron Camens Dr Rex Mitchell
Assumed knowledge
This project requires a background in biology and evolution and an interest in working with 3D reconstruction software. Otherwise, no specialist knowledge is required.
Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.