Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/J017728/1
3D microtextural analysis - development of a robust tool for dietary/trophic analysis in living and fossil vertebrates
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor M Purnell, University of Leicester, Geology
- Grant held at:
- University of Leicester, Geology
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Quantitative tooth microwear analysis is a potentially powerful tool for the analysis of diet, trophic ecology and jaw mechanics in extant and extinct vertebrates. Unfortunately, microwear analysis has failed to realise its potential because of methodological problems with 'standard' techniques. The aim of this project is twofold. Firstly, to develop and standardise an approach which applies emerging analytical methods from engineering (non-contact profilometry and quantitative analysis of 3D surface textures) to worn tooth surfaces. Results to date suggest that the method has real potential for dietary discrimination, but further testing and validation is required. Secondly, apply 3D microtextural analysis to dietary discrimination of aquatic vertebrates, including killer whales, for which dietary discrimination can be problematic. This part of the project will both demonstrate the potential of the analytical approach and address significant ecological/environmental issues. This project will: test and compare different non-contact methods for the acquisition of high resolution 3D surface data from worn teeth; test and compare different approaches to textural analysis of 3D data; develop a series of robust analytical protocols for surface replication, data acquisition, 3D textural quantification, and trophic analysis; apply these protocols to a selection of aquatic vertebrates, ranging from cichlids to killer whales, to demonstrate the potential of the approach to address specific ecological and palaeoecological problems.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/J017728/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Analytical Sci and Tech
This training grant award has a total value of £72,898
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £13,812 | £10,802 | £48,285 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.