The workgroup of Dr. Blanke is focused on functional morphological research of the evolution and diversification of food intake of diverse organisms using, and partly also developing, modern analytical procedures from the fields of 3D modeling and reconstruction, mechanics, and morphometrics. Currently, a particular research focus lies on the study of the evolution of food intake in insects and fishes, as well as the mechanosensors of various insects. To address these topics, we use micro computed tomography (µCT) data obtained mainly at large-scale synchrotron particle accelerator (SRµCT) facilities. These data are subsequently used to create 3D models that depict the external and especially the internal anatomy. These 3D models then serve as the basis for many further analyses: quantification of shape, simulation of feeding, correlation of shape and function with ecology, development, and phylogeny.