Ammonoidea are extinct cephalopods regarded as model organisms in evolutionary studies due to their high species richness, rapid evolution, and good fossil data. The septa (chamber walls) are complex and follow interesting ontogenetic and phylogenetic trends.
The project consists of preparing fossils, morphometric measurement (laser scanning or coordinate measuring machine), and calculating local growth rates. Interpretation regarding the relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny (heterochrony) will be carried out. The project may involve collaboration with a research group in Switzerland.
The student should have some background in computer science, and preferably an interest in 3D computer graphics.