Research topics
Macroevolution and Paleobiology
Evolutionary processes can take millions of years. Therefore, Paleontology plays an important role in Evolutionary Biology by providing essential data from extinct organisms. One of the main goals of the lab is to characterize large-scale evolutionary patterns, mostly using paleontological data. These include either phenotypic or diversification patterns, that is, either understanding how a certain morphological trait evolved in a clade or the diversification dynamics of the clade over time.
Taxonomy and Systematics
In order to accurately document the deep-time evolutionary patterns, we first need to know the diversity of the past. For that, traditional paleontological research is crucial, discovering, describing and phylogenetically positioning new extinct species. The lab is involved in the description (or the redescription) of fossil materials, as well as in field work to unearth new material. Most of past research has been done on crocodylomorphs, but the lab is currently expanding the focus to all vertebrates.
Ongoing projects
Conservation Paleobiology
Conservation Paleobiology is a relatively new field of research, which aims to use data from extinct organism to better inform conservation policies. In our lab, Ana Clara, Jorge and Kamila are currently applying some Conservation Paleobiology approaches to crocodylians and testudines.
Crocodylomorph taxonomy and systematics
Crocodylomorpha is a once diverse group of archosaur reptiles, which included some very morphologically disparate subclades. Among the ongoing projects of the lab, different lab members are working on the description, taxonomy and systematics of crocodylomorph taxa, including Daniel and Pedro, which are studying notosuchian crocodylomorphs.
Megafauna extinction
The Late Pleistocene extinctions, which predominantly affected megafaunal mammals, is a largely studied subject. Nevertheless, many open questions remain. In our lab, Fernanda is currently studying extinction patters of sloths and Thayara's project aims to estimate functional diversity of different Pleistocene and Holocene paleoecosystems from South America. Image credit: Julio Lacerda.
Snake early evolution and diversification
The origin of snakes among other squamates has long been the subject of interest of evolutionary biologists and paleontologists. There is ongoing discussion about the sister group of snakes and also about the ecology of the first snakes. In this context, ongoing project of the lab are focusing on studying the early evolution of Serpentes, including diversification analyses (as in the case of Gabriela) or the reconstruction of ancestral ecologies (Sofia's project).
Dinosaur evolution and systematics
Non-avian dinosaurs are among the most famous extinct group of animals, due to their huge past diversity and great morphological variation. In our lab, Luan's MSc project focuses on the investigation of the phylogenetic relationships of ornithischian dinosaurs, more specifically on the clade Elasmaria. Image credit: André Fonseca.