Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Project Summary
It has been suggested that the early developmental stage at which marsupials are born has reduced their potential to evolve into new ecological niches in comparison to placental mammals. However there is little available information on whether marsupials and placentals evolve at different rates in response to environmental changes. This project will gather data on aspects of mammalian ecology (diet, body size, habitat use etc.) and use basic evolutionary analyses to test for differences between marsupials and placentals.
Expected outcomes, applications and/or benefits
The project is expected to determine whether there are fundamental differences in evolutionary patterns between marsupial and placental mammals. This provides additional baseline knowledge for marsupial conservation management with respect to environmental changes and interactions with feral species.
Required student skills/experience
Knowledge of evolutionary analyses is not required, training will be provided.
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- ecology, marsupial, evolution
- Contact
- Contact the supervisor for more information
Dr Matthew Phillips
