Body size is a fundamental aspect of mammalian biology. Island species often evolved extreme size shifts (dwarfism, gigantism). To understand the impact of size shifts on shape in mammals, this project aims to quantify and integrate size and shape evolution in island species over millions of years.
Size-related evolutionary changes do not follow a simple scaling process, but often involve restructuring of organs. What constraints are at work and what are the consequences? Is shape predictable? Model systems are 1) skulls, 2) antlers, and 3) life history parameters. Theoretical models predict respectively proportionally shorter snouts, shorter and simpler antlers, and a faster life in dwarfs and vice versa in giants. Empirical observations often contradict these predictions. Techniques employed in this project include 3D scanning, computational tomography (CT), 3D modelling, geometric morphometrics, and palaeo-histology in an evolutionary context.