Ingmar Werneburg

Using standardized developmental biology traits, I study the patterns of embryological sequences in a variety of terrestrial vertebrate species (including turtles, snakes, various mammal groups). Based on recent advances in molecular systematics, a comprehensive (falsifiable) phylogenetic framework is available, which I use to understand evolutionary, developmental biology changes and to discuss them in the context of morphological diversifications. In addition to organogenesis, I also study skeletal formation and some genetic aspects in my developmental and evolutionary biology studies.

At a histological level, the development of specific organs is studied - a classic comparative embryological approach - to identify homologies, uncover recapitulation patterns and to follow spatial developmental changes into the adult state. For adult anatomy, comparable to my ontogenetic studies, I concentrate on the craniocervical system of amniotes and some fishes. One focus is on the morphology of muscles and other soft tissues: their anatomical diversity, phylogenetic distribution and functional integration. Another focus is on the relationship between head and neck morphology.