Kellen Kennedy
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Samuel Borstein
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology / LSA
Program: UROP
Session: Session 1 (9:00am – 9:50am)
Authors:
Abstract
Fish have some of the most diverse and dynamic feeding structures of all animals and provide an excellent system to study the complexities of ecological diversification and evolution. Some fish have a highly modified second set of jaws, in addition to their oral jaws (i.e., the mouth), a state known as pharyngognathy. Pharyngognathy is considered a key innovation, a novel evolutionary trait that leads to the diversification and success of a group which possesses it. As pharyngeal jaws are internal structures, they can be difficult to study physically, as they typically require destructive sampling. We use microCT scanning to observe the complex morphology of the pharyngeal jaws in greater detail and without damage to the specimens. We then quantify various aspects of the dentition of the pharyngeal jaws to evaluate the relationship between tooth density, tooth aspect ratio, and dentition patterns and to investigate the relationship of these tooth characteristics to diet. Our results provide insights into the role of pharyngeal jaw dentition in trophic ecology, as well as how key innovations may provide access to novel niches.
