![Wilbertopora acuminata](/content/dam/nhmwww/our-science/our-work/origins-evolution-futures/bryozoa-wilbertopora-two-column.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Scanning electron micrograph of the mid-Cretaceous cheilostome bryozoan Wilbertopora acuminata, showing feeding zooids and pointed avicularian polymorphs
Principal Investigator
Project summary
- Focus: Studying the explosive radiation of cheilostomes during the mid-late Mesozoic
Bryozoans, especially cheilostomes, diversified significantly during the mid-late Mesozoic. However, phylogenetic, biogeographical and morphological patterns of diversification are poorly documented, mostly because of a lack of modern taxonomic studies.
A better understanding of the explosive radiation of cheilostomes is needed, as this may have been triggered by a change in reproductive biology from broadcasting to brooding larvae.
We aim to illuminate this critical time in bryozoan evolution by undertaking taxonomic studies of:
- selected bryozoan groups - melicerititid cyclostomes, for example
- selected faunas - such as the Glen Rose Formation of Texas
Museum staff
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/our-science/our-work/origins-evolution-futures/chromis-viridan-fish-coral-reef-hti-top.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Origins, evolution and futures
We study the Earth's origins and environment, and the evolution of life.
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/our-science/our-work/origins-evolution-futures/fossil-centipede-amber-hti-top.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Invertebrate and plant palaeobiology research
We are investigating the origins and evolution of these diverse fossil groups.
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/our-science/collections/palaentology/fossil-bryozoan-sem-watersipora-grandis-hti-top.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Fossil bryozoan collection
The Museum holds the best collection of fossil bryozoans in the world, with over 5,000 type and figured specimens.