Geometric Morphometrics for Biologists is an introductory textbook for a course on geometric morphometrics, written for graduate students and upper division undergraduates, covering both theory of shape analysis and methods of multivariate analysis. It is designed for students with minimal math background; taking them from the process of data collection through basic and more advanced statistical analyses. Many examples are given, beginning with simple although realistic case-studies, through examples of complex analyses requiring several different kinds of methods. The book also includes URL's for free software and step-by-step instructions for using the software.
* Accessible, student-tested introduction to sophisticated methods of biological shape analysis
* Detailed instructions for conducting analyses with freely available, easy to use software
* Numerous illustrations; including graphical presentations of important theoretical concepts and demonstrations of alternative approaches to presenting results
* Many realistic examples, both simple and complex, from on-going research
* Comprehensive glossary of technical terms
Autorentext
Dr. Miriam Zelditch is Associate Research Scientist at the University of Michigan's Museum of Paleontology. She obtained her PhD in Zoology from Michigan State University and conducted her NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Michigan. Her research interests broadly include zoology, paleobiology, evolutionary biology, comparative biology, and morphology. She has co-edited both prior editions of Geometric Morphometrics for Biologists.Dr. Donald Swiderski is Adjunct Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology. He obtained his MSc in Paleontology and his PhD in Zoology from Michigan State University. His research interests broadly include zoology, paleontology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, mammalogy, and morphology. He has co-edited both prior editions of Geometric Morphometrics for Biologists.
Inhalt
Landmarks
Simple Size and Shape Variables: Bookstein Shape Coordinates
Theory of Shape
Superimposition Methods
The Thin Plate Spline: Visualizing Shape Change as a Deformation
Ordination Methods
Computer-Based Statistical Methods
Multivariate Analysis of Variance
Regression
Partial Least Squares Analysis
Disparity and Variation
The Relationship between Ontogeny and Phylogeny
Morphometrics and Systematics
Last Things: Beyond Two-Dimensional Configurations of Landmarks