Chewing surfaces reveal a lot
The shape and function of the chewing surfaces of most mammals are closely linked to their evolution. As dental remains are also the most common mammal fossils, evolutionary trends can be reconstructed. Every bite leaves behind fine mechanical traces that are recorded in three dimensions.
New techniques for old tooth surfaces
The department has developed new techniques for this that are unique in mammal research in Germany. The traces on the tooth surfaces make it possible to reconstruct the diet, environmental conditions and climate. Using collection material from present-day and extinct mammals, including humans, they are opening up a previously little-utilised archive of the history of life. Environmental factors that have triggered evolutionary change are identified.
Understanding the effects of climate change
Recent climate and environmental changes caused by humans can also be recorded and evaluated. Large species, African ungulates and primates, marine mammals and bats are particular focal points of the collection. There is an extensive, well-documented collection of mammal skeletons - one of the most important in Germany. There is also a variety of skins as well as a collection of organs and embryos.
Related collections
- Head of Section Mammalogy & Paleoanthropology
Phone: +49 40 238317 623
E-Mail: t.kaiser@leibniz-lib.de
Projects
There are currently no projects available
Publications
| of
2024/11
Mandible composition and properties in two selected praying mantises (Insecta, Mantodea)
The Anatomical Record
2024/9
Radular Tooth Coating in Members of Dendronotidae and Flabellinidae (Nudibranchia, Gastropoda, Mollusca)
Journal of morphology, 9, 285
2024/9
The primitive giant panda Kretzoiarctos beatrix (Carnivora, Ursidae) from the hominid locality of Hammerschmiede: dietary implications
Papers in Palaeontology, 5, 10
2023/12
Holding in the stream: convergent evolution of suckermouth structures in Loricariidae (Siluriformes)
Frontiers in Zoology, 1, 20
2021/3
Trophic specialisation reflected by radular tooth material properties in an “ancient” Lake Tanganyikan gastropod species flock
Ecology and Evolution, 1, 21
2020/1
Not just scratching the surface: Distinct radular motion patterns in Mollusca
Biology Open
2016/2
Evolutionary organ pipes in full blast: Do snails dance to the Hutchinson tune?
Zitteliana, 33, 88
2012/5
Description of three Rhacophorus tadpoles (Lissamphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)
Zootaxa, 1, 3328
2024
2023
2021
2020
2016
2012
Employees
Alexander Daasch
ztm Mammalogy & Paleoanthropology HamburgPhone: +49 40 238317 662
E-mail: a.daasch@leibniz-lib.de
Prof. Dr. Thomas M. Kaiser
ztm Mammalogy & Paleoanthropology Hamburg ScientistPhone: +49 40 238317 623
E-mail: t.kaiser@leibniz-lib.de
Dr. Wencke Krings
ztm Mammalogy & Paleoanthropology Hamburg ScientistPhone: +49 40 238317 625
E-mail: w.krings@leibniz-lib.deProf. Dr. Harald Schliemann
ztm Mammalogy & Paleoanthropology Hamburg Scientist, guestPhone: +49 40 42838 3917
E-mail: schliemann@zoologie.uni-hamburg.de