Description
The shape of the lower jaw (mandible) and dentition in non-human primates varies between species but the reasons behind this morphological variation are unclear. Previous research has associated the robusticity of the lower jaw with adaptations to hard object feeding. Our recent studies have shown that the link between jaw shape and diet is more complex than initially thought and assumptions about links between diet and feeding behavior based on jaw anatomy are poorly supported. This project aims to elucidate how feeding behaviour influences the mechanics of the lower jaw during development.
Essential criteria:
Minimum entry requirements can be found here: https://www.monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum
Keywords
non human primates, dentition, jaw, biomechanics, finite element analysis, occlusion, diet, feeding, chewing, Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology
School
Biomedicine Discovery Institute (School of Biomedical Sciences) » Anatomy and Developmental Biology
Available options
PhD/Doctorate
Masters by research
Honours
Time commitment
Full-time
Top-up scholarship funding available
No
Physical location
Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Co-supervisors
Dr
Luca Fiorenza