Geometric morphometric analysis of new zealand rabbit cranium

Authors : Havali Akkaya, İftar Gürbüz

Pages : 14-21

Doi:10.31196/huvfd.1388962

View : 61 | Download : 78

Publication Date : 2024-06-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study, aimed to determine the shape features of the New Zealand rabbit skull and to reveal the differences between individuals and genders in terms of shape features. For this purpose, the geometric morphometry method was used. A total of 10 female and 10 male New Zealand Rabbit craniums were used. The skulls were photographed in a dorsal, ventral and lateral view, and the mandible was photographed in a lateral view. Homologous landmarks were marked on the photographs. Consensus graphs were created by the TpsRelw (Version 1.70) program. Additionally, principal component analysis and relative warp analysis were performed. As a result of the study, principal components explained 34.813%, 57.225% and 42.427% of the total shape difference in the dorsal, ventral and lateral views of the skull, respectively. In the first principal component graph obtained as a result of principal component analysis, no significant clustering was observed between genders. According to the graphics obtained in the MorphoJ program, inter-individual variation was detected mainly in the viscerocranium, followed by the neurocranium. This study will contribute to morphological and archaeological studies on rabbit skulls.
Keywords : Cinsiyet, Geometrik morfometri, kafatası, Mandibula, Tavşan