Too big to hop? Vertebral allometry and locomotor biomechanics in kangaroos

This project primarily fits within the BBSRC theme 1 'Advancing the frontiers of Bioscience Discovery' aim 'Understanding the rules of life'. This project applies biomechanical principals to understand the fundamental rules governing terrestrial locomotion and its impact on biodiversity. It further contributes to theme 3 'Building Strong Foundations' aim 'Collaborations, partnerships, and knowledge exchange'. This project will initiate a new collaboration between the University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne, synthesizing expertise on vertebrate biomechanics (Nudds), biorobotics (Parslew), and mammalian anatomy and palaeontology (Jones) at Manchester with expertise on marsupial evolution (Pask), as well as new resources available through Melbourne (marsupial specimens and collections) and integrating knowledge across disciplines. Finally, it will provide the student a unique experience for training in both institutions, contributing to the 'People and Talent' objective of BBSRC's forward look for UK Bioscience.