
Dr Antonio Ballell Mayoral
PhD, MSc, BSc
Current positions
Senior Research Associate
School of Earth Sciences
Contact
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Research interests
My research focuses on the evolution of morphology and function in vertebrates (mostly archosaurs and lepidosaurs) using up-to-date computational methods, including morphological, biomechanical and macroevolutionary analyses. I am interested in reconstructing evolutionary patterns of morphological change and understanding the impact of biological function in such modifications.
My current postdoctoral research involves characterising the morphological and functional diversity of the lepidosaur head, aiming to elucidate the interplay between the skull and jaw musculature through development and evolution.
Publications
Recent publications
11/12/2024Ecological drivers of jaw morphological evolution in lepidosaurs
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Finite element and microstructural analyses indicate that pteraspid heterostracan oral plate microstructure was adapted to a mechanical function
Palaeontology
Divergent strategies in cranial biomechanics and feeding ecology of the ankylosaurian dinosaurs
Scientific Reports
Biomechanics of Machaeracanthus pectoral fin spines provide evidence for distinctive spine function and lifestyle among early chondrichthyans
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
Dental form and function in the early feeding diversification of dinosaurs
Science Advances