Bite Ecology from Avian Kinematics and Shape

Objective

Bite Ecology from Avian Kinematics and Shape (BEAKS) aims to answer the question, “What factors drive bird beaks to converge in shape and function?” Answering this question will not only deepen our understanding of evolutionary processes, but also provide practical guidance in conserving birds and their key functions in modern ecosystems. BEAKS will combine geometric morphometrics, finite element analysis, and phylogeneBite Ecology from Avian Kinematics and Shape (BEAKS) aims to answer the question, “What factors drive bird beaks to converge inshape and function?” Answering this question will not only deepen our understanding of evolutionary processes, but also provide practical guidance in conserving birds and their key functions in modern ecosystems. BEAKS will combine geometric morphometrics, finite element analysis, and phylogenetic modelling to map patterns of beak form and function evolution and their relationship with aspects like environment, body size, diet, and ectoparasite load. Dr. Miller, the candidate and an expert in avian ecology, and Dr. Marcé-Nogué, the supervisor and an expert in biomechanics, are an ideal pair to head this project and to enrich each other’s knowledge base while doing so. BEAKS will then use these established trends to predict future evolutionary trajectories in response to anthropogenic climate change and identify species whose ecological roles are most likely to be lost without intervention. This type of modelling is a specialty of Dr. Püschel, the secondment supervisor, and will be a valuable new skill for the candidate to learn. The host institution, The Universitat Rovira i Virgili, has established connections with educational institutions, news media, and policy makers to ensure the findings of BEAKS are communicated broadly and disseminated to those who can use the findings to preserve earth’s delicate ecosystems. This will further global efforts to preserve biodiversity, especially the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030.