Development of statistical methods including qualitative and quantitative analyses, modeling and simulations. Comparative analyses, especially of large data sets, and their statistical evaluation are used to identify temporal and spatial changes in biotic interactions and environmental processes.
3d techniques are used for the exploration of skeletal structures. Biometric analysis are applied to 3d data sets and interpreted with respect to the structural performance using statistical methods and engineering tools.
Finite element methods, such as structural mechanical analyses, are applied to biological structures. This technical approach is also known as technical biology and leads to a deeper understanding of organismic performance.
Computational analytics in echinoid tests
High-resolution micro-computed tomography scan of Echinocyamus pusillus.
Structural integration
Micro-structural analyses reveal the micro-structural layout and integration and function of morphological structures. These explorations are imperative to understand multi-functional structures.
Workflow from a computed tomography scan to topological analysis of skeletal microstructures.
Predation
Predation is a major biotic interaction by which the predator can leave recognizable traces in the skeletal hard parts of the prey item. By tracking predatory patterns and behavior through time, shifts of these parameters are used to interpret evolutionary pathways.
Functional morphology
Functional morphology describes the adaptation of organisms to their environment. These adaptations are often the result of pressure such as biotic interactions and abiotic influences. Engineering techniques, such as structural mechanics are used to understand structural adaptations.
Taphonomy
Taphonomy examines the alteration of organisms and their remains after the death of an individual, as well as alterations of biotic traces. Understanding taphonomic patterns, signals and filters are used to interpret ancient environments based on biotic remains and traces recovered from the fossil sedimentary record.
Computational analytics
Computational analytics promote calculations of large data sets and their visualization. Especiallt analyses and visualizations of 3d models are useful methods to understand the integration of structures.
Biomimetics
Biomimetics is an integrative approach combining biology and engineering sciences. Evolved biological structures often provide solutions for today's technical challenges. Finding principles in organisms that improve or lead to the development of new technical systems is the aim of biomimetics.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality provides a platform that allows the analyses and presentation of 3d data in an 360° immersive environment.
High-resolution micro-computed tomography scan of Echinocyamus pusillus.Workflow from a computed tomography scan to topological analysis of skeletal microstructures.
