A Novel Approach: Investigating Drivers behind Skull Size and Shape Variance within the Genus Didelphis through 3D Morphometric Analysis
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
In this study, we employed 3D morphometric technology to investigate the various factors influencing cranial size and shape variation within the opossum genus Didelphis. Data acquisition involved scanning specimens on-site at the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor’s collections, and the Smithsonian, alongside specimens from the University of Vermont’s own museum. Our investigation examined the relationships of size and shape variance with factors such as sympatry and allopatry, sex, allometry, age classes, and clinal variation. This analysis was facilitated by the use of software packages Stratovan Checkpoint and R, with Mesquite employed for phylogenetic analyses. Data analysis is currently ongoing, and we anticipate obtaining and interpreting results well in advance of the upcoming conference.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Sara Helms Cahan
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Geology
Second Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
A Novel Approach: Investigating Drivers behind Skull Size and Shape Variance within the Genus Didelphis through 3D Morphometric Analysis
In this study, we employed 3D morphometric technology to investigate the various factors influencing cranial size and shape variation within the opossum genus Didelphis. Data acquisition involved scanning specimens on-site at the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor’s collections, and the Smithsonian, alongside specimens from the University of Vermont’s own museum. Our investigation examined the relationships of size and shape variance with factors such as sympatry and allopatry, sex, allometry, age classes, and clinal variation. This analysis was facilitated by the use of software packages Stratovan Checkpoint and R, with Mesquite employed for phylogenetic analyses. Data analysis is currently ongoing, and we anticipate obtaining and interpreting results well in advance of the upcoming conference.