Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Divergence times, Evolution, and Anatomy Deciphered in early Sharks

Project description

Ancient sharks studied to learn about their evolution

Elasmobranchs (i.e. sharks and rays) have a long evolutionary history. As such, their study can offer understanding of evolutionary processes over long periods of time. The MSCA-funded DEADSharks project will use data from ancient elasmobranchs and their modern descendants to learn more about their macroevolution and the chronology of major instances of divergence. It will involve elasmobranch genome and 3D fossil investigation, as well as determination of the rate of change in lower jaw shape and size. The project may lead to further studies on the early evolution of elasmobranchs.

Objective

The ancient elasmobranchs (sharks + rays) have the potential to provide great insight into evolutionary processes over large timescales, but this potential is limited by a poor understanding of the relationships between living and extinct groups and the timing of major divergence events. In this project I will address these knowledge gaps by combining new 3D tomographic data on key Mesozoic elasmobranch body fossils with genomic and anatomical data from their living relatives. I will then use this and a dataset of 3D elasmobranch lower jaws to investigate the dynamics of elasmobranch macroevolution, using the rate and mode of lower jaw shape evolution as a case study. In doing so I will build on my existing background in palaeobiology and 3D methods by learning new skills in genomics-based phylogenetics and 3D geometric morphometrics, while developing my skills as a supervisor, communicator, and leader. These new skills, along with the scientific groundwork laid by this project, will give me the tools to pursue an independent programme of research in the longer term, investigating the early evolution of elasmobranchs by combining data from animals both living and extinct.

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

STICHTING NATURALIS BIODIVERSITY CENTER
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 187 624,32
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data
My booklet 0 0