Roger started following the work of Dave Marshall.
Roger started following the work of Alistair Evans, Monash University (Australia), School of Biological Sciences.
Roger started following the work of Susan Little, University of Bristol, Earth Sciences.
Graduate Student, School of Geosciences
University of Bristol, Earth Sciences
Thesis Title: Transformation of a Functional Complex: Early Evolution of the Flight Apparatus of Birds
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Patricia Vickers-Rich
Emily Rayfield |
About
Bachelor of Arts/Science (Honours), Monash University 2000-2005
Graduate Diploma of Science, Monash University 2006-2007
PhD, Monash University 2008-present.
My doctoral research seeks to shed light on the period of avian evolution directly following the inception of flight, during which aerial capabilities of early birds began to be refined. Although a wealth of Mesozoic avian fossils have been unearthed in recent years, little work has been done on their biomechanics and functional anatomy. One aspect I'm is investigating is the function of the furcula, or wishbone, which flexes like a spring in many modern birds and may have roles in the secondary respiratory system, in addition to providing points of attachment for the flight muscles, and bracing the pectoral girdle. Using finite-element analysis techniques, I've been probing the biomechanical function of the furcula, through modelling of idealised and real examples. Considerable morphological variation is seen in modern birds, and FEA modelling allows an understanding of the importance of shape variation on function, which can then be applied to Mesozoic taxa. This may provide insights into flight behaviour and respiratory physiology.
Contact Information
| Homepage: | |
| Address: | School of Geosciences |
| IM: | skype: rogeradamclose |
