PhD Project:
Moa ecology in North Canterbury: Isotopes, DNA and morphology
This project aims to study the population structure of the extinct New Zealand moa in North Canterbury. Researchers in New Zealand (lead by Prof Richard Holdaway - University of Canterbury) will be conducting in-depth isotope profiles of moa from bones. The Murdoch ancient DNA lab together with Prof Eske Willerslev (Centre for Ancient Genetics, University of Copenhagen) will be profiling ancient DNA (mitochondrial and nuclear) from approximately 300 specimens from two adjacent swamps. DNA profiling of sediments from the site will also be carried out. The goal of this research is to increase our understanding of moa ecology and the environment which they occupied.