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Research
Research projects in the Claessens Lab focus on the evolution of the respiratory system in the Archosauria. Birds and crocodylians (crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gavials) are the only living representatives of the Archosauria, a once diverse group that included dinosaurs, pterosaurs and other extinct groups exhibiting an enormous range of anatomical diversity. Because extant archosaurs offer examples of highly specialized respiratory systems serving both cold-blooded (ectothermic) and warm-blooded (endothermic) metabolic physiologies, the clade represents an unparalleled opportunity to examine evolutionary pathways in respiratory design and function.
The respiratory system of Alligator mississippiensis
Projects in the Claessens lab combine traditional anatomical investigations with state of the art imaging and modeling techniques such as 3-D scanning and animation, cineradiography (x-ray filming), computed axial tomography (CAT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . In our lab, we have a Roland LPX 1200 non-contact laser surface scanner and several workstations. Cineradiography, CAT scanning and MRI are done off-site in collaboration with other institutions.
We are currently involved in the following projects:
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The anatomy, function and evolution of the skeletal breathing pump and the lungs in birds, crocodylians, dinosaurs, pterosaurs and other less well known archosaur groups such as phytosaurs and rauisuchians.
- A large scale component of this project is the formation of an online database of three-dimensional skeletal anatomy of birds, in collaboration with the Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology's Ornithology Department and the laboratory of Professor Scott Edwards.
- A study of the morphology and evolution of the respiratory system of pterosaurs, extinct flying reptiles that roamed the Mesozoic skies. This project is in collaboration with Professor Patrick O'Connor from Ohio University and Dr. David Unwin from the University of Leicester, Great Britain.
- A project on breathing in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School and Ohio University, which is in the (lengthy) permitting stages.
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Fieldwork in Triassic and Cretaceous strata in southern Utah, where we are looking for the remains of dinosaurs and related vertebrates. This work is undertaken in collaboration with the Yale University Peabody Museum of Natural History (Triassic) and the University of Utah Museum of Natural History (Cretaceous).
Links to separate pages on our 3-D scanning, cineradiography, and fieldwork can be found at the bottom of this page, and in the navigation bar on the left
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