Three-dimensional geometric morphometrics in paleoecology

Abstract

Quantification and analysis of shape is an important component of many paleoecological studies. Geometric morphometrics is a powerful shape analysis tool that allows its user to compare entire regions of morphology, visualize shape differences between groups, and create visualizations based on real data. This method is rapidly becoming the standard for data collection and analysis in many fields such as anthropology, biology, ecology, forensics, paleontology, and zoology. Here, the basic procedures of geometric morphometrics are reviewed and a case study on the ecomorphology of the cervid calcaneus is provided to illustrate how geometric morphometrics can be used in paleoecological studies.