Project description
Predicting future evolutionary trends of bird beaks in response to climate change
Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BEAKS project aims to investigate the factors that influence the shape and function of birds’ beaks. Combining methods of geometric morphometrics, finite element analysis and phylogenetic modelling, it will map the evolutionary patterns of beak shape and function in relation to habitat, body size, nutrition and external parasite load. Based on these patterns, BEAKS will then estimate subsequent evolutionary trajectories with respect to anthropogenic climate change and predict which species may require intervention to prevent their extinction in the future. Overall, the project will provide a better understanding of avian evolutionary processes and contribute to global efforts to preserve biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.
Objective
Bite Ecology from Avian Kinematics and Shape (BEAKS) aims to answer the question, “What factors drive bird beaks to converge in shape and function?” Answering this question will not only deepen our understanding of evolutionary processes, but also provide practical guidance in conserving birds and their key functions in modern ecosystems. BEAKS will combine geometric morphometrics, finite element analysis, and phylogeneBite Ecology from Avian Kinematics and Shape (BEAKS) aims to answer the question, “What factors drive bird beaks to converge inshape and function?” Answering this question will not only deepen our understanding of evolutionary processes, but also provide practical guidance in conserving birds and their key functions in modern ecosystems. BEAKS will combine geometric morphometrics, finite element analysis, and phylogenetic modelling to map patterns of beak form and function evolution and their relationship with aspects like environment, body size, diet, and ectoparasite load. Dr. Miller, the candidate and an expert in avian ecology, and Dr. Marcé-Nogué, the supervisor and an expert in biomechanics, are an ideal pair to head this project and to enrich each other’s
knowledge base while doing so. BEAKS will then use these established trends to predict future evolutionary trajectories in response to
anthropogenic climate change and identify species whose ecological roles are most likely to be lost without intervention. This type of
modelling is a specialty of Dr. Püschel, the secondment supervisor, and will be a valuable new skill for the candidate to learn. The host
institution, The Universitat Rovira i Virgili, has established connections with educational institutions, news media, and policy makers
to ensure the findings of BEAKS are communicated broadly and disseminated to those who can use the findings to preserve earth’s
delicate ecosystems. This will further global efforts to preserve biodiversity, especially the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
43003 TARRAGONA
Spain
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.