About Functional Morphology
In Funmorph, we investigate how complex organismal systems function and evolve. Our focus is on systems that are integrated (-require the integrated functioning of many bodily parts) and ecologically relevant (-affect the individual’s chances for survival and reproduction). Examples of functions under study include: locomotion, feeding, fighting, communication, and thermoregulation.
Some of our projects take a mechanistic approach. We try to understand how organismal systems work: precisely how body parts (primarily of the movement apparatus) and processes interact to allow the individual animal to move, eat, fight, communicate etcetera. Most of these studies are lab-based and employ techniques such as RX-imaging,micro-CT-scanning, EMG, 3D-reconstruction, high speed filming, biomechanical modelling, kinematics,computational fluid dynamics and finite element modelling.
Other projects take an evolutionary approach: here we try to examine if and how natural and sexual selection have shaped organismal functions. This approach requires analyses in the lab and in the field, including the measurement of whole-animal performance, of selection gradients,parentage assessment, behavioural observations, comparative analyses, etcetera.
But our most exciting projects have integrated both approaches.
Vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals) have traditionally been the main stars of our research, but occasionally other groups have crept into sight.
FUNMORPH
Research Projects
Master projects 2015-2016
Subjects for Master projects (2015-2016)
- Influences of the beak position on hearing in birds
- Comparative study of stress in the metacarpal bone of extinct and modern horses (Perissodactyla: Equidae)
- Functional morphological development of the musculo-skeletal locomotor system in piglets
- Adaptive advantages of asymmetry in the weaponry of stag beetles
- Trade-offs between large weaponry and flight performance in stag beetles
- Osteoderm function in the Karoo girdled lizard (Karusasaurus polyzonus)
- Spatial ecology of smooth snakes (Coronella austriaca) in Grenspark De Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide
- Genetic diversity and differentiation of smooth snake populations in Flanders
- Seasonality of chemodetection in lacertid lizards
- Evolution of chemoreceptive predator recognition in lacertid lizards
- Developmental stability in egg-laying and live-bearing populations of the common lizard, Zootoca vivipara
- Genetic divergence and diversity of Alpine salamander populations
- Venom variation in Alpine salamander populations
- Aesthetics of human bodily movements
Aesthetics of human bodily movements
Promoter: Raoul Van Damme
Co-promoters: Ann Hallemans, Peter Aerts
Subject:
Is there a biological basis to aesthetic experience? Is beauty always 'in the eye of the beholder', or do universally valid judgments of prettiness exist? Several studies (on human faces, on landscapes) have suggested that our appraisal of beauty may be more universal than previously thought, and several authors have offered adaptive (evolutionary) explanations for this bias. In this study, we will examine what human subjects (a sample as diverse as possible) consider 'attractive' in bodily movements, and how this appraisal differs with factors such as sex, age, origin etcetera. We will explore whether 'beautiful' movements have characteristics that make sense from an evolutionary point of view (natural or sexual selection theory).
Methods:
3D movement capturing and analyses
Contact: Raoul Van Damme, CDE C1.31
Co-promoters: Ann Hallemans, Peter Aerts
Subject:
Is there a biological basis to aesthetic experience? Is beauty always 'in the eye of the beholder', or do universally valid judgments of prettiness exist? Several studies (on human faces, on landscapes) have suggested that our appraisal of beauty may be more universal than previously thought, and several authors have offered adaptive (evolutionary) explanations for this bias. In this study, we will examine what human subjects (a sample as diverse as possible) consider 'attractive' in bodily movements, and how this appraisal differs with factors such as sex, age, origin etcetera. We will explore whether 'beautiful' movements have characteristics that make sense from an evolutionary point of view (natural or sexual selection theory).
Methods:
3D movement capturing and analyses
Contact: Raoul Van Damme, CDE C1.31
Influences of the beak position on hearing in birds
Promoter: Peter Aerts
Daily supervision: Raf Claes
Subject:
The avian middle ear is relatively simple and consists out of one ossicle (the columella), an eardrum, one ligament and one muscle. The eardrum is partially connected to the quadrate bone which is a part of the beak suspension. This connection causes an alternation in the shape and tension of the eardrum at different beak openings, which possibly causes a change in hearing of the bird.
In this MP, µCT-data will be modelled to quantify the rotation of the quadrate and compare the middle ear structures at different beak positions of different species.
Methods:
µCT-scanning, segmentation
Contact: Raf Claes, CDE C1.30
Daily supervision: Raf Claes
Subject:
The avian middle ear is relatively simple and consists out of one ossicle (the columella), an eardrum, one ligament and one muscle. The eardrum is partially connected to the quadrate bone which is a part of the beak suspension. This connection causes an alternation in the shape and tension of the eardrum at different beak openings, which possibly causes a change in hearing of the bird.
In this MP, µCT-data will be modelled to quantify the rotation of the quadrate and compare the middle ear structures at different beak positions of different species.
Methods:
µCT-scanning, segmentation
Contact: Raf Claes, CDE C1.30
Comparative study of stress in the metacarpal bone of extinct and modern horses (Perissodactyla: Equidae)
Promoter: Sandra Nauwelaerts
Subject:
The evolutionary series of the horse has been widely accepted as a perfect example of macroevolution in response to ecological pressures. The current hypothesis is that the reduction from three toes to one on each limb was a necessary adaptation to a cursorial lifestyle in open grassland. A key element of this evolution to monodactyly is the reinforcement of the middle finger/toe.
By comparing the calculated stress in bones of extinct equids with examples of modern horses, asses and zebras, we aim at finding evolutionary patterns relating to ecology. In the extant species, we would like to test whether there is a link between the strength of the bone and the compliance of the surface in which the animals live.
Methods:
Increase the current database of equid bones by 3D scanning museum specimens; Use the existent and new scans to perform finite element analysis to reveal patterns of stress; correlate shape to stress and stress to habitat.
Contact: Sandra Nauwelaerts, CDE C1.29
Subject:
The evolutionary series of the horse has been widely accepted as a perfect example of macroevolution in response to ecological pressures. The current hypothesis is that the reduction from three toes to one on each limb was a necessary adaptation to a cursorial lifestyle in open grassland. A key element of this evolution to monodactyly is the reinforcement of the middle finger/toe.
By comparing the calculated stress in bones of extinct equids with examples of modern horses, asses and zebras, we aim at finding evolutionary patterns relating to ecology. In the extant species, we would like to test whether there is a link between the strength of the bone and the compliance of the surface in which the animals live.
Methods:
Increase the current database of equid bones by 3D scanning museum specimens; Use the existent and new scans to perform finite element analysis to reveal patterns of stress; correlate shape to stress and stress to habitat.
Contact: Sandra Nauwelaerts, CDE C1.29
Functional morphological development of the musculo-skeletal locomotor system in piglets
Promoter: Peter Aerts
Co-promoter: Chris Van Ginneken
Daily supervision: Charlotte Vanden Hole
Subject:
More and more, piglets are used as model for (fundamental) medical studies in humans. The topic of this MP forms part of a research project that focuses on functional morphological and motor development in normal and low birth weight piglets. For this purpose, the functional morphology of the musculo-skeletal appendicular system (skeletal and muscular anatomy, muscle masses and volumes, fibre lengths, physiological cross sections…) will be studied during early post natal ontogeny (first 4 days) in both groups.
Methods:
Dissections, morphometrics, CT-scanning….
Contact: Peter Aerts, CDE C1.09
Co-promoter: Chris Van Ginneken
Daily supervision: Charlotte Vanden Hole
Subject:
More and more, piglets are used as model for (fundamental) medical studies in humans. The topic of this MP forms part of a research project that focuses on functional morphological and motor development in normal and low birth weight piglets. For this purpose, the functional morphology of the musculo-skeletal appendicular system (skeletal and muscular anatomy, muscle masses and volumes, fibre lengths, physiological cross sections…) will be studied during early post natal ontogeny (first 4 days) in both groups.
Methods:
Dissections, morphometrics, CT-scanning….
Contact: Peter Aerts, CDE C1.09
Adaptive advantages of asymmetry in the weaponry of stag beetles
Promoter: Stefan Van Dongen 
Co-promoter: Jana Goyens
Subject:
Male stag beetles fight each other aggressively with their extremely large jaws. The shape of the jaws is adapted to be able to withstand high bite forces in battles. This does, however, not explain the function of the asymmetry that is often found in the jaws (e.g. jaw length, curvature, number and size of protrusions). In this thesis, these asymmetries will be measured on the European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus). Subsequently, it will be investigated whether they are caused by developmental instability or, on the contrary, have a functional advantage for the beetles (e.g. enhanced grip on rivals, preventing the jaws from scuffing against each other,…).
Methods:
Measuring asymmetry of stag beetle jaws on pictures or computer models.
Contact: Stefan Van Dongen, CGB V3.24b or Jana Goyens, CDE C1.06
Co-promoter: Jana Goyens
Subject:
Male stag beetles fight each other aggressively with their extremely large jaws. The shape of the jaws is adapted to be able to withstand high bite forces in battles. This does, however, not explain the function of the asymmetry that is often found in the jaws (e.g. jaw length, curvature, number and size of protrusions). In this thesis, these asymmetries will be measured on the European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus). Subsequently, it will be investigated whether they are caused by developmental instability or, on the contrary, have a functional advantage for the beetles (e.g. enhanced grip on rivals, preventing the jaws from scuffing against each other,…).
Methods:
Measuring asymmetry of stag beetle jaws on pictures or computer models.
Contact: Stefan Van Dongen, CGB V3.24b or Jana Goyens, CDE C1.06
Osteoderm function in the Karoo girdled lizard (Karusasaurus polyzonus)
Promoter: Chris Broeckhoven
Co-promoter: Raoul Van Damme
Subject:
It is widely assumed that osteoderms, bony elements embedded in the dermis, are part of protective armour to defend prey against attacks from predators. Recently, alternative hypotheses explaining the presence of osteoderms, such as aid in thermoregulation, have been put forward. In this MP, the student will test both hypotheses using the Karoo girdled lizard (Karusasaurus polyzonus) as study organism. µCT-scanning will be used to compare osteoderm characteristics among populations along a climatic and predation gradient. In addition, laboratory and field experiments will be conducted to test the functional significance of interpopulation variation.
Remarks:
Field/lab work for approximately 4-6 weeks during South African spring/summer (September – April). International drivers licence is recommended, but not essential
Contact: Chris Broeckhoven, Stellenbosch University, SA
Co-promoter: Raoul Van Damme
Subject:
It is widely assumed that osteoderms, bony elements embedded in the dermis, are part of protective armour to defend prey against attacks from predators. Recently, alternative hypotheses explaining the presence of osteoderms, such as aid in thermoregulation, have been put forward. In this MP, the student will test both hypotheses using the Karoo girdled lizard (Karusasaurus polyzonus) as study organism. µCT-scanning will be used to compare osteoderm characteristics among populations along a climatic and predation gradient. In addition, laboratory and field experiments will be conducted to test the functional significance of interpopulation variation.
Remarks:
Field/lab work for approximately 4-6 weeks during South African spring/summer (September – April). International drivers licence is recommended, but not essential
Contact: Chris Broeckhoven, Stellenbosch University, SA
Individual projects 2015-2016
Subjects for Individual projects (2015-2016)
Comparing the limb anatomy of extinct and modern horses (Perissodactyla: Equidae)
Promoter: Sandra Nauwelaerts
Daily supervision: Jamie MacLaren
Subject:
The evolutionary series of the horse has been widely accepted as a perfect example of macroevolution in response to ecological pressures. The current hypothesis is that the reduction from three toes to one on each limb was a necessary adaptation to a cursorial lifestyle in open grassland. However, this specialisation might have led to a reduction in versatility, a decreased ability to run on compliant surfaces, and consequently an exclusion from certain habitats.
By comparing the bones of extinct equids with examples of modern horses, asses and zebras, we aim at finding evolutionary patterns relating to ecology. Using three-dimensional reconstructions and shape analysis of equid limb bones we will test evolutionary hypotheses.
Methods:
3D scanning and modelling of bones (museum specimens); shape capture using geometric morphometrics; comparison of bone shapes and proportions.
Remarks:
Project starts early February 2016
Contact: Sandra Nauwelaerts, CDE C1.29
Daily supervision: Jamie MacLaren
Subject:
The evolutionary series of the horse has been widely accepted as a perfect example of macroevolution in response to ecological pressures. The current hypothesis is that the reduction from three toes to one on each limb was a necessary adaptation to a cursorial lifestyle in open grassland. However, this specialisation might have led to a reduction in versatility, a decreased ability to run on compliant surfaces, and consequently an exclusion from certain habitats.
By comparing the bones of extinct equids with examples of modern horses, asses and zebras, we aim at finding evolutionary patterns relating to ecology. Using three-dimensional reconstructions and shape analysis of equid limb bones we will test evolutionary hypotheses.
Methods:
3D scanning and modelling of bones (museum specimens); shape capture using geometric morphometrics; comparison of bone shapes and proportions.
Remarks:
Project starts early February 2016
Contact: Sandra Nauwelaerts, CDE C1.29
Morphology of the middle- and inner ear in birds: comparison between species
Promoter: Peter Aerts
Daily supervision: Raf Claes
Subject:
The avian middle ear is relatively simple and consists out of one ossicle (the columella), an eardrum, one ligament and one muscle. As different bird species occupy a large variety of niches, the middle ear may be subjected to large differences in pressure regime (compare for instance terrestrial birds with swimming penguins, diving peregrine falcon, etc). This may affect the transmission function. Therefore, it is interesting to know if and how the morphology of the middle and inner ear of birds differs between species.
In this IP, middle and inner ear µCT-data will be modelled and the morphology of the bony and soft-tissue structures will be compared between species belonging to different ecotypes
Methods:
µCT-scanning, segmentation
Contact: Raf Claes, CDE C1.30
Daily supervision: Raf Claes
Subject:
The avian middle ear is relatively simple and consists out of one ossicle (the columella), an eardrum, one ligament and one muscle. As different bird species occupy a large variety of niches, the middle ear may be subjected to large differences in pressure regime (compare for instance terrestrial birds with swimming penguins, diving peregrine falcon, etc). This may affect the transmission function. Therefore, it is interesting to know if and how the morphology of the middle and inner ear of birds differs between species.
In this IP, middle and inner ear µCT-data will be modelled and the morphology of the bony and soft-tissue structures will be compared between species belonging to different ecotypes
Methods:
µCT-scanning, segmentation
Contact: Raf Claes, CDE C1.30
Development of inter-limb coordination in piglets
Promoter: Peter Aerts
Co-promoters: Chris Van Ginneken
Daily supervision: Charlotte Vanden Hole
Subject:
More and more, piglets are used as model for (fundamental) medical studies in humans. The topic of this IP forms part of a research project that focuses on motor development in normal and low birth weight piglets. The maturation of the inter limb coordination during locomotion is studied in a longitudinal experimental setup. For this purpose, spatio-temporal gait data will be extracted from video-recordings and changes over time will be compared between groups.
Methods:
Video-recordings are available for digitization of the footfall patterns. From these, spatio-temporal gait data (e.g. duty factors, stance and swing times, lag times …) will be extracted.
Contact: Peter Aerts, CDE C1.09
Co-promoters: Chris Van Ginneken
Daily supervision: Charlotte Vanden Hole
Subject:
More and more, piglets are used as model for (fundamental) medical studies in humans. The topic of this IP forms part of a research project that focuses on motor development in normal and low birth weight piglets. The maturation of the inter limb coordination during locomotion is studied in a longitudinal experimental setup. For this purpose, spatio-temporal gait data will be extracted from video-recordings and changes over time will be compared between groups.
Methods:
Video-recordings are available for digitization of the footfall patterns. From these, spatio-temporal gait data (e.g. duty factors, stance and swing times, lag times …) will be extracted.
Contact: Peter Aerts, CDE C1.09
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