The role of natural selection in macroevolution: a case study examining convergence of form and function in marine predator guilds

达尔文的进化论自然选择理论是科学史上最成功的理论之一，为现代生物学提供了框架：然而，争论或不确定性的领域经常被非科学家误解为该理论中的根本缺陷。新的“高科技”工具提供了重新审视这些领域的机会，也为向公众展示科学过程提供了机会。新的工具是计算生物力学，这是研究生物形态的未来，该项目将进一步发展澳大利亚在这项技术方面的领先地位，这项技术应用于古生物学、环境管理、医学和使用生物材料的下一代工程。

Darwin's theory of evolution natural selection is one of the most successful in the history of science and provides the framework for modern biology: however, areas of debate or uncertainty are often misinterpreted by non-scientists as indication of fundamental flaws in the theory. New 'hi-tech' tools provide the opportunity to re-examine these areas, and also to demonstrate the process of science to the public. The new tool is Computational Biomechanics, the future of studying biological form, and this project will further develop the leading role of Australian research in this technology which has applications for palaeontology, environmental management, medical science, and the next generation of engineering using 'biomaterials'.