Abstract

Recently developed phylogenetic comparative methods offer novel opportunities to elucidate the evolutionary history of anatomical traits. In this talk Dr. Smaers will discuss recent findings that exemplify how such methods can be used to improve our understanding about how patterns of anatomical change observed for fossil and modern species relate to those that occurred in deep-time evolution. The main empirical focus will be on the macroevolution of the mammalian brain and skeletal systems. Specifically, he will discuss recent findings about the evolution of higher cognitive cortical association areas in great apes, brain reorganization in anthropoids, different pathways of encephalization in mammals, the impact of the terrestrial-aquatic transition on disparity and rates of evolution in the carnivoran skull, and the macroevolutionary morphology of wrist bones in hominoids.