Research: Evolution of planktonic microfossils

My research focuses on the morphological evolution of marine pelagic calcareous microfossils, especially planktonic foraminifera. By the application of advanced digital image techniques and geometric morphometry I investigate the morphological variability of menardiform globorotalids (Neogene planktonic foraminifera) as a case study. Questions center about the detection and characterization of speciation events and the biogeographic mapping of such patterns worldwide ("Evolutionary Prospection").

Current projects:

• Reapraisal of the classic Cipero Coast type section in Trinidad, SE Caribbean, for integrated biogeochronology and morphologic evolution of planktonic foraminifera. (SNF project M. Knappertsbusch and S. Samsoondar).

Completed projects:

• Testing the Agulhas Dispersal Hypothesis for the Neogene planktonic foraminifer Globorotalia menardii: Indian Ocean or Pacific home versus Central-American passage ? (SNF project and PhD dissertation of Thore Friesenhagen).
• AMOR: Development of automated measurement systems for shell mORphology.
• Evolutionary prospection in Neogene planktonic foraminifera & prolongation (SNF project and PhD dissertation of Yannick Mary).
• Morphological evolution of Globorotalia menardii from both sides of the isthmus of Panama.
• Speciation of marine planktonic microfossils during the Cenozoic (PhD project Kevin Brown, completed in 2007. Chair: Prof. A. Wetzel (University Basel), supervision: M. Knappertsbusch).

Publications