13 species (1.2%) of modern neoselachians (Cetorhinus maximus, Megachasma pelagios, Rhincodon typus, Manta birostris, and nine species of Mobula) evolved new feeding structures and adapted to a filter-feeding mode of life. Until today the reasons that caused this fundamental shift to a planktivorous lifestyle are unknown. |
This project will provide a deeper insight, into the life history and the interrelationships of neoselachian filter feeders. Therfore different methods for understanding phylogenetic patterns, cladogenetic events, past diversity fluctuations and reasons for fluctuations will be employed. Improved molecular clock approaches will be used to establish when, cladogenetic, a filter feeding mode of life first occured in neoselachien history and will give a deeper insight into the evolution of these sharks and rays through time. |
