geometric morphometrics

Geometric morphometrics is a method used to study shape and form by analyzing the geometric features of biological structures. It captures the spatial coordinates of specific landmarks on objects—like the points on a skull or leaf—and uses special statistical techniques to compare and quantify differences in shape. This approach retains the geometry of the structures, allowing researchers to visualize how shapes vary within or between populations, identify patterns of change, and understand the functional or evolutionary significance of shape differences. It's a powerful tool in biology for studying form and shape variation in a rigorous, precise way.