Evolution of musculoskeletal anatomy and locomotor style in frogs

Frogs exhibit impressively complex musculature and dramatic anatomical specialisations of the pelvis, limbs and spine, long assumed to represent adaptations for jumping. Yet many frogs employ a wide range of behaviours (walking, swimming, climbing, burrowing). Is anatomical complexity required for functional complexity? Using a novel combination of interdisciplinary and cutting-edge techniques (CT imaging and 3D visualization, musculoskeletal modelling, phylogenetic mapping) this project will determine the link between anatomy, locomotor function, and evolution in frogs, shedding light on how phylogenetic history and biomechanical function influence the origin and radiation of novel anatomical forms.