Disentangling the evolution and development of theropod beaks using a universal model of growth

Interdisciplinary studies in evolutionary developmental biology require mathematical models that can describe how biological structures grow and form. A mathematical model called the power cascade describes the growth and form of pointed structures such as mammal teeth and claws, hoof bones of ungulates, spines of fish, gastropod shells and bird and other theropod beaks. In this thesis, I examine the power cascade as a model of biological growth and reveal how evolution, function, and development can generate and influence form. To achieve this goal, I study the evolution, development and function of theropod beaks in light of the power cascade.