Perth Sethapanichsakul

PhD project title:

An Investigation of the Taxonomy, Evolutionary Relationships, and Biogeography of Southeast Asian Sauropod Dinosaurs

Sauropods are a group of dinosaurs characterized by their small head, long neck and long tail. Most notably they are known to have grown to enormous sizes some of which are the largest land animals to ever exist. They have been found on every continent. Several sauropod species have been reported from Southeast Asia including one of the oldest sauropods Isanosaurus from the Early Jurassic period. There is even evidence for a mamenchisaurid being present in late Jurassic Thailand. Palaeoenvironmental studies in the past have noted parallels of fauna and flora found in Southeast Asia and parts of southern China, painting a complex biogeographical connection between the two regions and the rest of Asia. Despite this not much is known about the taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and biogeography of sauropods in Southeast Asia. 

My project aims to update our current understanding of sauropods present within Southeast Asia, their evolutionary history and how it could impact our understanding of sauropod evolution globally. Creating up to date publications, while working alongside fellow Thai palaeontologist, on sauropods specimens that may have been reported locally but not globally. 

Resources:

• Email: thitiwoot.sethapanichsakul.23@ucl.ac.uk
• Supervisors: Prof Paul Upchruch,  Prof Phil Mannion, Phornphen Chanthasit (Sirindhorn Museum), Sita Manitkoon (Mahasarakham University)