Date of Award
2007
Degree Name
Biological Sciences
College
College of Science
Type of Degree
M.S.
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Suzanne G. Strait
Second Advisor
F. Robin O’Keefe
Third Advisor
Victor Fet
Abstract
Three-dimensional laser scanning is an effective method of digitization in paleontology, but has traditionally been restricted to larger specimens. The goal of this study was to develop a laser scanning technique applicable to small mammalian (< 5 mm) dentition. Modeling protocols were developed, and a morphometric error study showed the system highly accurate (percent error = 1D- 0.4%, 2D- 0.05%, 3D- 1.74%). Automation and standardization were accomplished by implementation of a multiscan platform and autosurfacing macro reducing modeling time by 60%. To highlight one morphometric application, 3D models (n=61) of three sympatric Eocene marsupials were digitized, and traditionally qualitative diagnostic characters were quantified and assessed. All but two of the 19 characters examined proved diagnostic (p < 0.05), and exploratory canonical discriminant analysis confirmed three distinct species. Incorporating type specimens revealed a familial overlap, therefore, this novel modeling technique can be employed in a full revision of early Eocene marsupials.
Subject(s)
Paleontology - Eocene.
Marsupials - Taxonomy.
Lasers in biology.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Nicholas E., "Acquiring Three-Dimensional Data from Small Mammalian Teeth : Laser Scanning Eocene Marsupials" (2007). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 154.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/154