LAPC Collection
Our field trips have constantly provided material that form the LAPC collection. After being properly prepared by our staff, this material is mostly accessed for specimen-based student research (scientific collection). Teaching collections of paleobotanical and vertebrate specimens have supported didactic activities of students taking annual classes on Geology and Paleontology.
​
​
Thus this material is available for hands-on student research and learning activities and comprise specimens from the Permian of Irati Formation (Paraná Basin), Cretaceous sandstones of Alfredo Marcondes, Itapecuru Formation (Maranhão), Crato and Romualdo Formations (Araripe Basin), Santa Marta and Snow Hill Island Formations (James Ross Island, Antarctica), and from the Oligocene of the Tremembé Formation (Taubaté Basin).
LAPC sample of a Mesosauridae specimen, Irati Formation. Scale bar: 5 cm.
LAPC sample of a dinosaur (Sauropoda) specimen, Itapecuru formation. Scale bar: 5 cm.
LAPC sample of an invertebrate (Mollusk) specimen, Itapecuru Formation. Scale bar: 5 cm.
LAPC sample of an plant (trunk) specimen, Tremembé Formation. Scale bar: 5 cm.
The lab is inserted in a bigger multidisciplinary research lab equipped with stereomicroscopes, digital microscope, fume hood and multiple work benches, with the facilities of counting with the experimental support of a Multiuser centre lab where MEV (FEI Quanta 250), Fluorescence optical microscopy (Zeiss Axio Imager A2) and rotary microtome (Leica RM 2255) to produce histological sections of samples and zoom them in micro details. Specimens are mechanically prepared before being submitted to any kind of analyses or equipments, which is provided by our staff and students. Library journal collections and departmental computing facilities is also available for student research in Paleontology. Collection can also be accessed by foreign researches by contacting the lead lab/curator.
​
Lead lab/curator contact: fabiana.costa@ufabc.edu.br
Vertebrate Paleontology
The research on this field area aims at studying the systematics and phylogeny of vertebrate fossils, as well as exploring the functional morphology of vertebrates by using advanced three-dimensional programmes. A major focus has been scanning/photogrammetrying fossils to produce 3D models and study their biomechanical aspects. To do so, we have partnership with researchers from Biomedical and Aeronautical Engineering to enable the use of computational programmes, high tech imaging and other equipments such as wind tunnels.
Photogrammetry of pterosaur bones at a studio in Kanagawa, Japan
Digitization of a Glyptodon skull at the Alcide d’Orbigny Natural History Museum, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Collaboration with MSc Ricardo Céspedes, museum curator.
Photogrammetry of pterosaur bones in Iwaki, Japan
Digitization with a manual surface 3D scanner of an extant ray at UNESP - SV
Poster presentation of undergrad students to spread the results of scientific research to the academic community of UFABC
_edited_j.jpg)
Mechanical preparation of fossil material from field trips
Working with 3d models on different workstations
Field trip to Crato, CE
3d model generation through surface scanning at UFRJ.
Fossil exhibition featuring specimens from the LAPC collection during UFABC para Todos, a public event open to the community at UFABC
Study of extant ray specimens for 3D model production at the ElasmoBrasil Laboratory/UNESP - SV, coordinated by Professor Otto Gadig (center)
Watching the display behaviors of armadillos when submitted to cognitive tests
Audio recording and filming the display behaviors of armadillos
Applying acoustic tests to armadillos and monitoring their responses
Mirror (cognitive) test applied to armadillos
Animal Behavior
Describing and understanding (as far as we can) animal behavior in the contexts they happen is the main focus of research on this field area. A major focus has been xenarthrans, particularly armadillos, for which information regarding their ethology is still scarce. To do so, we have established partnership with researchers from Lauro de Souza Lima Institute (ILSL). Our research is certificated by the Ethics Committee in the Use of Animals of UFABC (CEUA no 5141060819).
Moreover, in situ observations are also applied during field campaigns. The characterization of ecomorphological patterns is performed as well, and, at a less extent, partnerships are established, particularly with zoos, to perform animal enrichment research and thus increase animal welfare.
Captive-born armadillo
Installing camera traps for capturing animals' activities on film (Poconé, Pantanal, Brazil)
Helping vets in the biopsy of recently dead animals (by natural causes) to collect organs to research
Monitoring (censusing and measuring) burrow distribution (Poconé, Pantanal, Brazil)
ONGOING PROJECTS
Biomechanics Research Hub
3D Modelling and Movement Biomechanics in extinct vertebrates
(FAPESP no 2022/03099-7)
This project aims at inferring behavioral and ecological aspects of extinct organisms from a biomechanical perspective, investigating range of motion and locomotor behavior through 3D skeletal reconstructions to access kinematic data from extinct taxa.
​
Exploring vertebrate form and function through 3d modelling with CAD techniques
(CNPq no 40435220235)
This project investigates form–function relationships in extinct vertebrates using biomechanical modeling and 3D digital reconstructions of fossil specimens by using CT-scanning, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to evaluate cranial performance during feeding and flight.
Lab Equipment
Biomechanics Research Hub
Our laboratory is equipped with the most updated technology for 3D model production and virtual motion simulation, supporting advanced research in biomechanics and digital reconstruction. Our infrastructure includes:
-
High-performance gaming PC (Intel i7, 32 GB DDR4 RAM, 4 TB storage)
-
High-end workstation featuring AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (12c/24t), 64 GB DDR5 6400 MHz, RTX 4070 Ti Super 16 GB, and 2 TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
-
ASUS gaming laptop for mobile processing and modeling
-
EinScan-SE desktop 3D scanner (2)
-
EinScan HX handheld 3D scanner
-
Professional Canon camcorder for motion recording
-
Nikon D850 high-resolution digital camera
This integrated infrastructure enables digitization, 3d modeling and biomechanical simulation of biological structures in a fully virtual environment.
Collaboration & Network
Biomechanics Research Hub
Our laboratory collaborates on several ongoing projects with some of the most scientifically renowned research institutions in Brazil and abroad:
- LAZOVERT / UERJ
- LAPUG / MN
- LHERP / UNESP
- Structure and Motion Lab - Royal Veterinary College / University of London
This partnership results in studies on myological reconstruction and the development of osteomyological models for subsequent virtual simulations and motion analysis, and includes both analysis of extant and extinct vertebrates.
Our laboratory is also one of the national labs that integrates INCT-Paleovert, the first National Institute of Science and Technology dedicated to vertebrate paleontology in Brazil, which brings together the leading researchers in this field across the country.
​