Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Project Summary
Tree kangaroos are highly unusual because they provide a rare example in which ancestors that were running (or bounding) specialists made an evolutionary transition to living in the trees. This project will collect morphometric data (anatomical measurements) from Queensland Museum kangaroo specimens. The data will be analysed to trace the evolution of tree kangaroos along the kangaroo phylogeny (family tree). These analyses will be used to test (i) the hypothesis that tree kangaroos evolved from rock-wallaby ancestors and (ii) whether tree kangaroos evolved in the rainforests of New Guinea or more open habitats in Australia.
Depending on the student’s interest it may be possible to include some work on fossil kangaroos or DNA sequencing in the project.
Expected outcomes, applications and/or benefits
The project will provide a better understanding of kangaroo evolution and give the student a range of skills in evolutionary analysis.
Required student skills/experience
Some knowledge of skeletal anatomy may be useful, but training will be provided.
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- evolution, kangaroo
- Contact
- Contact the supervisor for more information
Dr Matthew Phillips
