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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.  

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Photogrammetry of pterosaur bones at a studio in Kanagawa, Japan

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Testing 3D modelling of an armadillo skull at UFABC - Santo André campus

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Photogrammetry of pterosaur bones in Iwaki, Japan

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Poster presentation at a local Paleontology meeting in Sorocaba

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Poster presentation of undergrad students to spread the results of scientific research to the academic community of UFABC

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Mechanical preparation of fossil material from field trips

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Watching the display behaviors of armadillos when submitted to cognitive tests

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Audio recording and filming the display behaviors of armadillos 

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Applying acoustic tests to armadillos and monitoring their responses

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Mirror (cognitive) test applied to armadillos

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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. 

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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) 

Interested in joining the LAPC staff?

Internship and Research Opportunities 

Help our lab moving forward! There are many internship and research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. UFABC undergrad students can apply for the annual internal programme for scholarships and choose one of the lab's research areas to work on. Interns/volunteers are also welcome, which is an opportunity extended for external undergrads. For grads there is the opportunity to join the staff by applying for our Postgraduate Programme on Evolution and Diversity. Grads in other postgraduate programmes can apply for our Research Collaborator Programme. If you are neither undergrad nor grad student, there are also our junior scholarships (contact us for further details).

Internship

For UFABC and external undergrads, minimum 1 month (12 hours/week)

Research

Regular scholarships

- UFABC grad students

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Junior scholarships

- Mid school students

Postgraduate scholarships

- UFABC and external grad students pursuing a MS or PhD degree

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http://propg.ufabc.edu.br/evodiv/

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Research Collaborator

- External MS or PhD recipients who intend to cooperate with research and lab activities

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http://propes.ufabc.edu.br/programas

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Contact Us

To learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch

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Be a member of LAPC Team!

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Field trip to Pantanal, Poconé 

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