CARNIvoran MORPHological and Functional Diversity

The CARNIMORPH project aims to unravel the evolutionary and ecological dynamics shaping carnivoran craniodental diversity by investigating form-function relationships and modularity/integration. Teeth are crucial for acquiring and processing food, offering a valuable window into predator-prey interactions, dietary specializations, and ecological adaptability over time. Despite the significance of carnivoran teeth, no comprehensive ecomorphological study has yet been undertaken to quantify the modularity and functional efficiency of their diverse dental forms. To address this gap, CARNIMORPH will employ cutting-edge methodologies, including high-density 3D geometric morphometrics, advanced digitization techniques, and experimental mechanical testing, to study the biomechanical, dietary, and phylogenetic factors underlying the evolution of carnivoran dentition. By quantifying tooth shape with unprecedented accuracy, CARNIMORPH will disentangle the relative contributions of diet and phylogeny to tooth form, while also investigating ecomorphological convergence across extinct and extant species. Furthermore, a new protocol for conducting slicing and crushing simulations will be developed to assess the efficiency of carnivoran teeth and quantify the trade-offs between these two critical functions. The project will be hosted at UC Berkeley and Universidad de Málaga, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in functional anatomy, evolution, and biomechanics. CARNIMORPH's findings will advance our understanding of the diversification and adaptive strategies of carnivorans across macroevolutionary timescales, contributing valuable insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that shaped current biodiversity. The outcomes will align with key priorities of the MSCA Work Programme by fostering innovative research, promoting international collaboration, and addressing important scientific questions on the intersection of evolution, ecology, and biomechanics.