An invariant approach to statistical analysis of shapes (Q2724104)

This book describes statistical methods that are applicable to analyse morphometric data. The book describes statistical procedures that help to study quantitatively the form and form change of organisms and parts of them. After introducing into the field of morphometrics in chapter two, the types of morphometric data and the types of landmarks are explained. Furthermore, basics of matrix algebra needed for the statistical concepts are given. Here are also included rotation and translation procedures and their effect on landmark coordinate data.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEIn chapter three statistical models are presented that can be used to study form and variability among forms. Chapter four provides the basic tools for comparing forms using Euclidean distance matrix analysis. In chapter five the use of these methods in the study of growth of organisms is discussed. Chapter six illustrates the use of landmark coordinate data for the purpose of classification and clustering. The closing part offers new ideas to extend Euclidean distance matrix analysis procedures to complex biological problems. The book is an important practical guide for the analysis of morphometric data.