During the Triassic period, different groups of land vertebrates shifted from a primitive sprawling limb posture to an upright limb posture. It has been argued that this locomotor transition represents an evolutionary “arms race” between synapsids (mammalian ancestors) and archosaurs (bird and crocodile ancestors) towards faster or more efficient movement. This project will combine fossil footprints from these groups with computer simulation methods to reconstruct limb motions and quantify locomotor performance. Footprints offer a geographically and temporally more abundant source of information than skeletons, allowing us to reconstruct precise timing of these locomotor changes and test the “arms race” hypothesis.
Recently developed methods by members of this team have applied advanced computer modelling and trackway parameterization which allow for precisely constraining limb phase, trunk length, and specific foot motions from tracks and trackways. These new data provide important constraints that until now have not been available.
Specific objectives of the research
1. Digitize an extensive selection synapsid and archosaur trackways spanning the Triassic. From these digital models, striations and other features will be used to produce reconstructions of foot movements.
2. Validate these reconstructions of foot motion using particle simulation and physical modelling.
4. Assess the timing of locomotor changes within and between synapsids and archosaurs, and against known evidence of endothermy, testing the “arms race” hypothesis
Please send any expressions of interest to p.l.falkingham@ljmu.ac.uk
This PhD will be put forward for funding as part of the LJMU scholarship scheme. Please view all details here: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/research/phd-studentship-application
Process and selection criteria: Informal expressions of interest to be made via email to r.rae@ljmu.ac.uk and p.l.falkingham@ljmu.ac.uk before 8th Uly 2024. After selection of a candidate, the application will then be submitted by the lead supervisor by the 29th July
Start date: Successful students must enrol by January/February 2025
Funding: If successful, the student will receive 3 years of scholarship funding, plus £1500 per annum bench fees.
Prof. Peter L. Falkingham 