'biogeom': An R package for simulating and fitting natural shapes

Area of Science:

• * Biology
• * Ecology
• * Evolutionary Biology
• * Botany
• * Zoology

Background:

• * Many natural objects display radial or axial symmetry.
• * A universal tool for simulating and fitting these natural shapes is currently lacking.
• * Understanding natural shapes is crucial for ecological and evolutionary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To introduce the 'biogeom' R package, a novel tool for simulating and fitting natural shapes.
• * To provide universal parametric equations for generating diverse natural object profiles.
• * To offer tools for analyzing shape similarity and ontogenetic modifications.

Main Methods:

• * Development of universal parametric equations for shape generation.
• * Integration of empirical datasets (e.g., bird eggs, leaves, seeds, starfish).
• * Implementation of growth-rate equations and sigmoid curves for growth trajectory modeling.

Main Results:

• * 'biogeom' successfully simulates and fits shapes of various natural objects.
• * The package includes datasets for direct application and broader use.
• * Novel equations enable modeling of growth curves and predicting maximum growth rates.
• * Quantitative analysis of shape similarity and ontogenetic changes is possible.

Conclusions:

• * 'biogeom' provides a versatile solution for shape analysis in natural sciences.
• * The package facilitates quantitative insights into growth, form, and evolution.
• * It has significant implications for ecological and evolutionary research on living organisms.