PhD: Body shape, locomotor ecology and the evolution of birds

Numerous theories have been proposed as selective pressures driving the evolution of flight in birds. However, to-date none have provided clear mechanistic links between the gradual changes in gross anatomy and overall body shape described by theropod fossils and the biomechanics underpinning this major ecological shift. Here we propose a new hypothesis: that changes in body shape and posture were initially driven by selection for enhanced jumping and walking performance on compliant substrates (i.e. branches) prior to the evolutionary radiation of flying taxa.

To test this hypothesis the student will collect experimental data on birds jumping and walking on hard substrates and branches of varying compliance in both laboratory and zoo settings. Anatomical data from the same birds will be combined with this experimental biomechanical data to build and validate computer models of birds jumping and walking. Having validated this modeling workflow, the student will simulate jumping and walking in a series of bird-line theropods to examine the impact of gross anatomical changes seen in bird-line fossils to quantify effects on biomechanical performance on hard vs. compliant substrates.

The ideal student would have a keen interest or background in zoology/palaeontology and skills in quantitative, mechanical and/or 3D digital techniques, but training will be provided in all techniques to be used. The supervisory team includes experts in vertebrate anatomy,biomechanics, imaging and computer simulation. The student will be based primarily with Dr Bates in the Evolutionary Morphology & Biomechanics Group at Liverpool (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-disease/staff/karl-bates/). Note that the Manchester Museum is a CASE partner on this project. The student will be required to spend time at the museum, participating in curatorial and public engagement activities.

Funding Notes
Competitive funding of tuition fee, research costs and stipend (£14,553 tax-free, 2017-18) from the NERC Doctoral Training Partnership “Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment” (ACCE, View Website ). ACCE – a collaboration between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, and York – is the only dedicated ecology/evolution/conservation Doctoral Training Partnership in the UK.

Applications (CV, letter of application, 2 referees) by email to iibapply@liv.ac.uk (with copy cc'd to Dr Bates at k.t.bates@liverpool.ac.uk), deadline: January 9th 2018. Interviews: 14th-16th February 2018. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed for only one project from the ACCE partnership.