Obtaining new resolutions in carnivore tooth pit morphological analyses: A methodological update for digital...

Area of Science:

• Taphonomy
• Geometric Morphometrics
• Paleontology

Background:

• Modern scientific research relies heavily on integrated technologies.
• Evaluating and updating these technologies is crucial for research integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess measurement errors in geometric morphometrics for carnivore tooth pit analysis.
• To develop a more reliable and replicable method for morphological studies.

Main Methods:

• Applied inter and intra-observer analysis to taphonomy-based geometric morphometrics.
• Utilized non-parametric statistical analyses on 3D surface scan data of wolf and dog tooth pits.
• Compared error rates across raw, partially superimposed, and fully superimposed landmark coordinates.

Main Results:

• Semi-landmark models are more reliable than Type III landmarks for error assessment.
• Observer experience significantly impacts data collection accuracy.
• The 'Pinocchio Effect' increased error with fully superimposed landmarks.

Conclusions:

• A new hybrid Type II fixed and semi-landmark model significantly reduces human-induced error.
• This refined method enhances metric reliability and replicability for pooled data in inter-institutional research.
• The findings advance carnivore-related studies in archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and forensic sciences.