Foth Working Group

Key areas of research

Macroevolution of carnivorous dinosaurs

As part of this seminar group, fossils of various carnivorous dinosaurs are systematically examined anatomically, documented and compared. This investigation forms the basis for identifying anatomically variable characteristics that are of evolutionary significance and contribute to the reconstruction of phylogenetic trees. A particular focus is on researching the origin of birds, whose evolutionary roots lie deep within the theropods.

Furthermore, the data are used to comprehensively characterise the morphological and taxonomic diversity of the theropods. Particular attention is paid to processes such as heterochrony – temporal shifts in ontogenetic developmental sequences – as well as the occurrence of homoplasies, i.e. character developments that have arisen independently of one another in different lineages. These analyses enable a nuanced understanding of the evolutionary dynamics within the theropods and provide new insights into the origin of key avian characteristics.

Ontogeny of birds 

As part of this research project, ontogenetic series of various bird species are being examined using comparative anatomy. The focus is on species with different ecologies, flight adaptations and developmental types – ranging from altricial to precocial birds. The aim is to identify general patterns of ontogenetic variation in modern birds and to understand their significance for functional and evolutionary questions. By systematically comparing ontogenetic changes with phylogenetic trait evolution, potential heterochronies can be identified – that is, temporal shifts in developmental processes that may have played a significant role in the course of avian evolution. At the same time, the research investigates when certain ontogenetic patterns first appear in the avian lineage and how they continue to develop over the course of evolution.

Skull anatomy of birds

This project investigates various aspects of avian skull anatomy using computed tomography. One sub-project focuses on creating digital 3D reconstructions of the inner ear region in modern and fossil penguins, as well as in other aquatic bird species with different diving styles. In addition, the brain cases of moas, ostriches and other bird species are being digitally reconstructed to obtain comparable anatomical datasets. The resulting 3D models serve as the basis for a morphological analysis using geometric morphometrics. The shapes are then statistically compared across different taxonomic and ecological groups to identify structural differences and possible functional or evolutionary patterns.

The evolution of skin structures in fossil amniotes

In this project, skin structures of fossil reptiles are investigated using morphological and geochemical methods. UV light, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are used to understand the preservation process and reveal microscopic details. A particular focus is on the analysis of the wing membrane and body filaments of Jurassic pterosaurs from the Solnhofen Limestone, the skin and feather remains of predatory dinosaurs, and the elongated skin appendages of the unusual reptile Mirasaura from the Triassic of France.

Members

Dr Christian Foth
Head
Email: Christian.Foth@mfn.berlin 

Alexander Colesmith
PhD student
Email: A.Colesmith@mfn.berlin

Boyang Xia
Visiting Researcher, External PhD Student (China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China)
Email: Boyang.Xia@mfn.berlin

Denis Theda
External PhD student (Lippisches Landesmuseum, Detmold)

Moritz Hinze
Student assistant
Email: Moritz.Hinze@mfn.berlin