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Mark Westneat is a Professor of Organismal Biology at the University of Chicago, focusing on the phylogenetic systematics and biomechanics of diverse organisms. His research aims to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among major coral reef fish groups and investigate the biomechanics and functional morphology of animals. He utilizes a variety of techniques, including molecular phylogenetics and computer modeling, to explore the evolutionary patterns in functional systems. His laboratory welcomes students interested in evolution, biomechanics, and fieldwork, often involving broad questions about ecological traits, feeding biology, and organismal function. Westneat's interdisciplinary approach integrates data from comparative morphology, phylogenetics, and ecology to provide a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary history.
Department of Philosophy