DR. FION MA

My research straddles vertebrate palaeontology and functional morphology, which ultimately aims to (1) understand the biology and diversity of fossil animals and (2) reconstruct the evolution of form and function through deep time.

 

My most recent projects have focused on fossil reptiles (e.g., dinosaurs, pterosaurs), as well as living reptiles and birds. I use a multifaceted approach to answer research questions, which involves comparative anatomy, computed tomography (CT) based imaging, digital visualisation, 3D modelling, and biomechanical simulation.

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I am particularly interested in vertebrate feeding. I (1) reconstruct the feeding mechanism and diets of fossil vertebrates and (2) study the evolution of key innovations in vertebrate feeding system.