PhD in Animal Physiology

Convergent osteo-physiological patterns in the evolution of the flapping flight: Pterosaurs (Reptilia) versus bats (Mammalia)

Synopsis: There are three groups of vertebrates that colonized aerial environment: pterosaurs (Reptilia), avialan dinosaurs (Aves), and bats (Mammalia). Apart from distinct ancestry, bats and pterosaurs are the well-known example of functional convergence of forelimb in the evolution of flapping flight. In contrast to birds, the wing airfoil is formed by skin membrane called patagium in bats and pterosaurs. Patagial wings consists of the same bone elements, however, their active involvement into flying mechanics was specially modified in each group, respectively. Furthermore, pterosaurs and bats exhibit ability to employ the patagial wing in quadrupedal locomotion.
This doctoral project is centered for evaluation of adaptive changes of the wing bones of pterosaurs and bats at the microscopic scale. Bone tissue is considered here as a functional interface useful for correlation of osteonal bone patterns with growth dynamics, locomotor performance, metabolism and termoregulation. The main aim of the project is the reconstruction of physiological characteristics in the evolution of the first active flying vertebrates – pterosaurs.
We expect the applicants to be fluent in spoken and written English, to show high work engagement, to work along and in a team, in lab as well as in field, to handle correctly fixed biological material and fossils, and being interested in 3D imaging, phylogenetic and statistic methods.

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Martin Kundrát, PhD – Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
E-mail: martin.kundrat@upjs.sk

Co-supervisor: Prof. Lü Junchang – Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Biosciences, Beijing, China

Co-supervisor: Prof. RNDr. Beňadik Šmajda, DrSc. – Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia