Osteometric discriminant analysis
Definition
Multivariate statistical classification of an unidentified bone specimen based on a set of standardised measurements, using reference data from known-species museum collections to calculate the most probable taxon assignment.
Related terms
- Articular surface
- The smooth cartilage-covered end of a long bone that forms a joint. Shape, curvature, and proportional dimensions of articular surfaces are primary...
- Avian pneumatic bone
- Bone in birds that is internally hollow or has air sac connections, substantially reducing skeletal mass for flight. The thin cortex and...
- Cortical bone histology
- Examination of thin sections of compact bone under transmitted and polarised light microscopy to characterise osteon structure, lamellation, and vascularisation pattern. Used...
- Osteon (Haversian system)
- The basic structural unit of compact cortical bone: a central Haversian canal surrounded by concentric lamellae of mineralised collagen. Osteon diameter and...
- Phalangeal proportions
- The relative lengths and widths of the digit bones (phalanges). Used in bear paw identification, where species-specific phalangeal index ratios and claw...
Explained in
- Bone and Skeletal Element IdentificationMultivariate statistical classification of an unidentified bone specimen based on a set of standardised measurements, using reference data from known-species m...