Old brains, new data - early evolution of structural complexity in the vertebrate head

    Project: Research

    Project Details

    Description

    The vertebrate head has developed unique complexity over some 500 million years of evolution. Using innovative 3D X-ray tomography and computer analysis developed at the ANU, hidden secrets of the central nervous system and major sense organs (eye, ear) will be elucidated. Exceptional fossil skulls and braincases from Australia and China will be examined at unprecedented levels of detail. This fossil record will provide insights into anomalies in gene regulation indicated by recent research in molecular and developmental biology. Our new data will radically change views on the evolutionary relationships of the major groups of jawed vertebrates.
    StatusFinished
    Effective start/end date1/01/0730/06/11

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