Using Skull Measurements to Identify Key Museum Specimens
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
I have been measuring Peromyscus skulls, photographing, and using code to help differentiate two distinct species, and digitalizing them for future use. Two species in the genus of Peromyscus, maniculatus and leucopus, are impossible to differentiate without using DNA or measurements. Once measurements are complete, they are then put code run by R to help differentiate species. After the measurements are taken and put into a data sheet; I photograph each specimen to digitize them. This work will help contribute to future projects surrounding Peromyscus, as scientist will now have accurate records of the two different species for future use.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Sarah Helms
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Zoology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Using Skull Measurements to Identify Key Museum Specimens
I have been measuring Peromyscus skulls, photographing, and using code to help differentiate two distinct species, and digitalizing them for future use. Two species in the genus of Peromyscus, maniculatus and leucopus, are impossible to differentiate without using DNA or measurements. Once measurements are complete, they are then put code run by R to help differentiate species. After the measurements are taken and put into a data sheet; I photograph each specimen to digitize them. This work will help contribute to future projects surrounding Peromyscus, as scientist will now have accurate records of the two different species for future use.