DISSERTATION RESEARCH: The Evolution of the Hypocone in Microbats (Microchiroptera)

在哺乳动物的上磨牙上增加一个下锥体，即第四个尖，是牙齿进化过程中一个常见的过渡。以小翼目（微蝙蝠）为例，探讨下锥体的适应意义。这项研究将测试下锥体是否有增加牙齿强度的功能，通过消除牙釉质内的应力来避免牙齿开裂。有限元分析是一种计算机模拟技术，通常用于工程中评估结构对物理载荷的反应，将用于确定具有和不具有半锥体的牙齿的强度属性。最终，这项工作将研究锥体如何？S在牙齿强度中的作用可能影响磨牙形状的演变。这个项目使用创新的计算机建模技术来检验适应，这是一个基本的进化概念。这项工作的各个方面适用于整个科学界（从研究化石形式和功能的古生物学家到研究哺乳动物多样性模式的生态学家）。此外，对于任何想知道生命是如何进化的人来说，理解适应是至关重要的。这项工作将鼓励大学生参与科学研究。所有的计算机模型都将提交给Morphobrowser和Digimorph在线数据库，以便科学界和公众都能访问。

The addition of a hypocone, a fourth cusp, to the upper molar in mammals has been a common transition in dental evolution. Using suborder Microchiroptera (microbats) as a case study, the proposed research will examine the adaptive significance of the hypocone. This research will test whether the hypocone functions to increase tooth strength, by dissipating stress within the enamel to avoid tooth cracking. Finite Element Analysis, a computer simulation technique commonly used in engineering to assess how structures respond to physical loads, will be used to determine the strength attributes of teeth with and without hypocones. Ultimately, this work will examine how the hypocone?s role in tooth strength may have influenced the evolution of molar shape. This project uses innovative computer modeling techniques to examine adaptation, a fundamental evolutionary concept. Facets of this work are applicable throughout the scientific community (from paleontologists studying the form and function of fossils to ecologists studying mammalian diversity patterns). Further, an understanding of adaptation is vital for anyone wanting to know how life has evolved. This work will encourage undergraduate participation in scientific research. All computer models will be submitted to the Morphobrowser and Digimorph online databases to allow access to both the scientific community and the public.