Human & Primate Evolutionary Morphology
1. Studying the evolutionary processes of skeletal morphology in fossil hominins, humans, and other primates
Dr. Hyunwoo Jung aims to uncover the evolutionary processes underlying skeletal diversity in fossil hominins, modern humans, and other primates using geometric morphometrics, evolutionary quantitative genetics, and phylogenetic comparative methods. For example, a collaborative project with Dr. Karen Baab (Midwestern University), Dr. David Strait (Washington University in St. Louis), and Dr. Campbell Rolian (McGill University) tests adaptive hypotheses of Plio-Pleistocene hominin craniofacial evolution by analyzing skull measurements that are informative of feeding biomechanics.
Moreover, Dr. Hyunwoo Jung investigates the relationship between morphological integration/modularity and the evolution of novel skeletal morphologies in primates—and mammals more broadly—using models derived from evolutionary quantitative genetics. Specifically, his work examines how simulated directional selection acting on the selective regimes of functional modules—those exerting more pervasive influences on other traits—drives correlated evolutionary responses across the axial skeleton, thereby facilitating the emergence of novel axial morphologies.
Evolutionary processes of fossil hominin skeletal morphologies
Correlated evolution via functional modules: Insights from viability selection modeling
2. Studying functional morphology of the axial skeleton (i.e., skull and vertebral column)
Dr. Hyunwoo Jung investigates how functional significance and phylogenetic relatedness shape morphological diversity in the primate axial skeleton, providing more robust insights into the reconstruction of feeding and locomotor behaviors in extinct fossil specimens. In addition, his research explores how characteristics of the lower back in ape ancestors may have biomechanically influenced both bipedal locomotion and arboreal behaviors in early hominins.
3. Investigating the influence of evolution and lifestyle factors on human musculoskeletal health and population variation
Dr. Hyunwoo Jung is interested in examining how human evolutionary history and lifestyle changes influence musculoskeletal health, including the relationships among the evolution of vertebral morphology, physical activity levels, and joint disease. This interest stems from the close evolutionary linkage between the emergence of bipedal locomotion, changes in vertebral morphology, and lower back health in the human lineage.