I am a paleontologist with a strong background in evolutionary biology. My research centers around utilizing data to gain deeper insights into the ecology of extinct animals, with a special focus on the Neogene period in Turkey. Actively engaged in the field, I explore collections to conduct comprehensive research.
Keywords
Paleontology, Paleoecology, Paleobiogeography, Miocene Hominoids, (Meta-) Data analysis
Researchinterest
I explore how extinct animals adapted to climate change, revealing evolutionary and migration patterns. Data analysis unveils ancient ecosystems and enriches our understanding of natural history.
Extinction and climate change aren't only happening today—they've shaped the past too. I study the Neogene period (about 20.5 to 2.5 million years ago). During this era of changing climates, we observe mammals evolving, migrating, and disappearing. Fossils of these ancient animals offer insights into past environments and climate. Investigating how changing environments influenced the migratory patterns of Miocene hominoids—potential human ancestors—I hope to add to the understanding of our origins and our place in the natural world.
Currenttopics
- Biostratigraphy of the Greco-Iranian Bioprovince
- Paleobiogeography of Neogene Mammals
- Migration of Miocene Hominoids
Keypublications
van den Hoek Ostende, L. W., Bilgin, M., Braumuller, Y., Cailleux, F., & Skandalos, P. (2023). Live long and prosper? Assessing longevity of small mammal taxa using the NOW database. In Evolution of Cenozoic Land Mammal Faunas and Ecosystems: 25 Years of the NOW Database of Fossil Mammals (pp. 111-129). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Madern, P. A., Braumuller, Y., Mavikurt, A. C., Mayda, S., Bergwerff, L., Janssen, N., ... & van den Hoek Ostende, L. W. (2023). Where’s dinner? Variation in carnivoran distributional responses to the mid-Vallesian faunal turnover. Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments, 1-10.
Cailleux, F., Bilgin, M., Skandalos, P., Braumuller, Y., & van den Hoek Ostende, L. (2022). The quick and the dead. Competition as driver for shorter longevities. In 21st Slovak-Czech-Polish Paleontological Conference (p. 111).
Hoek Ostende, L.W. van den, Bilgin, M., Braumuller, Y.U., Hir, J., Joniak, P., Pelaez-Campomanes, P., ... , Casanovas-Vilar, I. (2020) Generically speaking, a survey on Neogene rodent diversity at the genus level in the NOW database. Fossil imprint, vol. 76, no. 1 (pp. 118–127)
Miller, J., Braumuller, Y., Kishor, P., Shorthouse, D., Dimitrova, M., Sautter, G., & Agosti, D. (2019). Mobilizing Data from Taxonomic Literature for an Iconic Species (Dinosauria, Theropoda, Tyrannosaurus rex). Biodiversity Information Science and Standards, 3, e37078.
Outreachactivities
Scientific outreach connects people with knowledge, making complex ideas understandable. It sparks curiosity, helps everyone learn, and supports progress in our society.
I volunteer as a preparator and excavator at the Naturalis Dinolab, located within the Live Science hall. Here, we showcase the process of cleaning dinosaur bones to the public and enthusiastically address their paleontology questions.
Additionally, I have developed multiple interactive workshops tailored for children of diverse backgrounds. Through engaging activities, I aim to introduce children to basic paleontological knowledge in a playful and educational manner.
Teachingactivities
Assistant MSc course Paleobiology, Leiden University
PhDsupervisors
Promotor: Jan Wijbrans (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam / Leiden University)
Promotor: Menno Schilthuizen (Naturalis Biodiversity Center / Leiden University)
Co-promotor: Lars van den Hoek Ostende (Naturalis Biodiversity Center)
Co-promotor: Jeremy Miller (Naturalis Biodiversity Center)