Research

The Molnar lab investigates the evolution of vertebrate locomotion. We use three-dimensional virtual models of fossil and living animals to study how muscle leverage, joint range of motion, and other biomechanical factors change as animals adapt to different environments. Current projects include locomotor transitions from water to land in early tetrapods, land to water in crocodylomorphs, and land to trees in chameleons.

Ongoing Projects

2017

Evolution of extreme arborealism in chameleons

With Raul Diaz, Rui Diogo, Arnavi Varshney, Zachary Pierce

title
2015

Reconstructing muscles in early tetrapods

With John Hutchinson, Stephanie Pierce, and Rui Diogo

2015

Comparative anatomy and function in lobe fins

With Peter Johnston, Catherine Boisvert, and Daniel Van Florcke

2013

Evolution of hindlimb musculature in early crocodylomorphs

With John Hutchinson, Bhart-Anjan Bhullar, and Alan Turner