Evolution and taxonomy of Mesozoic bryozoans
Scanning electron micrograph of the mid-Cretaceous cheilostome bryozoan Wilbertopora acuminata, showing feeding zooids and pointed avicularian polymorphs
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