The role of natural selection in macroevolution: a case study examining convergence of form and function in marine predator guilds

Does natural selection determine macro-evolution? Is structure strongly linked to function? Both these fundamental questions can be examined through convergence, the phenomenon where unrelated animals resemble each other. If that resemblance indicated similar ecology, we would have string evidence for natrual selection acting at large scales: if the ecology is contrained by phylogenic heritage, then natural selection has a lesser role in macro-evolutionary patterns. Before this question can be addressed, an even older problem must be solved: how well does form predict function? Focusing on living (especially Antarctic) and fossil marine predators, this project will tackle these oder questions using the newest biomechanical techniques