Varela Renda, Luciano

Research interests

Paleoecology and macroevolution of Pleistocene megafauna: ecological roles, adaptations, and the impacts of their extinction on the dynamics and connectivity of past ecosystems.

Working area

My research focuses on the paleoecology and macroevolution of Pleistocene megafauna in South America, with an emphasis on the ecological roles and dietary specializations of taxa such as xenarthrans. Through my publications, I have explored key aspects of resource partitioning, energy requirements, and morphological adaptations within these ancient communities. I have used stable isotope analysis, 3D finite element analysis, morphofunctional approaches, and ecological niche modeling to reconstruct the interactions and niches of these extinct species, as well as to study landscape connectivity in the past and the consequences of megafauna extinction on ecosystem structure.