Plastic brains: Neural adaptations to changing environments in reptiles

该项目的目标是在比较神经生物学中以前所未有的规模量化大脑解剖。该项目着眼于澳大利亚种类繁多的爬行动物，包括虎眼、龙和毒蛇，希望在这些动物适应新的栖息地和气候的过程中，产生关于大脑进化的新知识。数据将通过尖端的微型CT技术和先进的系统发育技术收集，并将得到详细的神经解剖学补充。预期的结果包括加强对温度对大脑影响的理解，以及建立一个3D数字解剖模型的大型数据库。一个主要的好处包括有更大的能力来减轻环境变化的影响。

The project aims to quantify brain anatomy on an unprecedented scale in comparative neurobiology. Focusing on Australia’s diverse and extensive collection of reptiles, including goannas, dragons and venomous snakes, the project expects to generate new knowledge on the evolution of brains as these animals adapted to new habitats and climates. Data will be collected by cutting-edge micro-CT technology and advanced phylogenetic techniques, which will be complemented by detailed neuroanatomy. Expected outcomes include enhanced understanding of the effects of temperature on brains, and a large database of 3D digital anatomical models. A major benefit includes a greater ability to mitigate the effects of environmental change.