Melina Frenzel
PhD student
My work focuses on a quantitative analysis of the head shape variation among Condylognatha. Condylognatha are a monophyletic lineage composed of Thysanoptera and Hemiptera. A comparative approach on a macroevolutionary scale is possible with methods such as three-dimensional reconstruction and geometric morphometrics based on µCT-scans and serial sections. I plan to analyse the potential correlation of head shapes and mouthparts with their function, several ecological traits and the underlying phylogeny in three main projects:
- Head shape variation within Condylognatha
- Functional morphology of the stylet tips in Hemiptera
- Biomechanical properties of plant tissues which are hosts for several Hemiptera
