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Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
Nicholas G Schultz1, Erik Otárola-Castillo2, Matthew D Dean3
1Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California (USC).
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Modern morphometrics uses landmarks to study shape variation. This study introduces a new pipeline for placing semi-landmarks on objects lacking clear homologous structures, like the mouse baculum, enabling broader shape analysis.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Comparative anatomy
- Geometric morphometrics
Background:
- Modern morphometrics is crucial for quantifying biological size and shape variation.
- Accurate landmark data, representing homologous structures, is essential for morphometric analyses.
- Many biological specimens lack easily identifiable homologous landmarks, limiting morphometric studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel computational pipeline for defining semi-landmarks.
- To demonstrate the application of this pipeline using the mouse baculum (penis bone).
- To provide a method applicable to diverse biological objects lacking clear landmarks.
Main Methods:
- Development of a computational pipeline for semi-landmark placement.
- Mathematical definition of semi-landmarks based on morphological regions.
- Application of the pipeline to the mouse baculum for shape analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful mathematical definition of semi-landmarks on the mouse baculum.
- Demonstration of a robust pipeline for generating landmark data from challenging specimens.
- The method is adaptable for various biological objects.
Conclusions:
- The developed pipeline effectively addresses the challenge of landmark identification in morphometrics.
- This approach expands the applicability of quantitative shape analysis to a wider range of biological structures.
- The method offers a valuable tool for researchers in evolutionary biology and comparative anatomy.