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Quantifying the Denticle Multiverse: A Standardized Coding System to Capture Three Dimensional Morphological
L D Rubin1,2, G J Fraser3, M K Gabler-Smith4
1Department of Environmental Biology, The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Integrative Organismal Biology (Oxford, England)
|November 7, 2025
Summary
A new framework standardizes the study of dermal denticles, microscopic scales on shark skin. This tool enables consistent morphological analysis across diverse research fields and time periods.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Functional Morphology
- Bio-inspired Design
Background:
- Dermal denticles, microscopic tooth-like scales, are key features of elasmobranch skin.
- Current research lacks a standardized vocabulary, hindering comparative analysis across disciplines.
- This fragmentation limits the potential of dermal denticle research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a standardized morphological framework and character code for dermal denticles.
- To facilitate consistent and comparable analysis of denticle morphology across diverse research fields.
- To enable robust disparity analyses of denticle diversity through time and development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published denticle images, SEMs, and CT scans of extant sharks.
- Analysis of fossil denticles spanning over 100 million years.
- Development of a Google Sheets tool and R package for coding and analysis.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive character code capturing diverse denticle morphologies.
- A flexible and replicable coding system for consistent analysis.
- Definition of denticle morphotypes based on unique character trait combinations.
Conclusions:
- The framework provides a universal, quantitative tool for analyzing denticle morphology.
- Facilitates cross-study comparisons and independent research team collaboration.
- Enables detailed disparity analyses across deep time, ontogeny, and body regions.
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