Geometric Morphometrics
5-9 March 2018, Berlin (Germany):https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course22/
Instructor:
Dr. Carmelo Fruciano (Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia))
https://www.physalia-courses.org/instructors/t11/
Topic
Introductory and intermediate Geometric Morphometrics.
Overview
Geometric Morphometrics has become a standard in biological research because it combines statistical rigour and ease of interpretation. Through geometric morphometrics, biological form is quantified, analysed and the results are expressed as easily interpretable and visually impactful shape changes. This course covers the main common practices of modern geometric morphometrics, including: acquiring data, analysing it, visualizing and interpreting the results.
Course Format
The course will be delivered over five days and will comprise both lectures and hands-on sessions. The lectures will cover both basic theoretical aspects and their practical implementation in research practice and software. During the hands-on sessions, the attendees will have the chance of both using example datasets and applying the knowledge acquired to their own data. The course will be focused mainly on 2D data and on easy-to-use software with graphical user interface to maximize the ability to understand concepts and apply them. However, some information on 3D data and on R implementations will be provided, as appropriate.
Who Should Attend
This course is aimed at beginners and intermediate users. In other words, it is aimed at researchers who intend to use geometric morphometrics or who have started performing geometric morphometric analyses but feel they need a more structured background.
Requirements
Attendees should have a background in biology and a basic understanding of statistical concepts.
Session content
Monday 5th - Classes from 09:30 to 17:30
- Geometric morphometrics: overview and potential applications:
- Traditional and geometric morphometrics
- An overview of common analyses
- Examples of geometric morphometrics applied to biological problems
- From biological objects to numerical representation:
- Overview of typical devices used to digitalise biological objects
- Landmarks, semilandmarks, outlines and surfaces - different types of geometric morphometric data
- Most commonly used geometric morphometric software
- Data quality, most common pitfalls in study design and data acquisition
Tuesday 6th - Classes from 09:30 to 17:30
- Generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) - the core of most geometric morphometrics:
- Principal component analysis (PCA)
- Comparing groups:
- Between-group PCA
- Canonical variate analysis (CVA)
- Tests of difference in means
Wednesday 7th - Classes from 09:30 to 17:30
- Co-variation between size and shape:
- Allometry, regression and general linear models
- Co-variation between shapes:
- Partial least squares analysis (PLS)
- Modularity and integration
Thursday 8th - Classes from 09:30 to 17:30
- Combining analyses in a basic workflow:
- Preliminary assessment of data quality
- Typical basic workflow
- Expanding the basic workflow: variation in geographic space
- Expanding the basic workflow: association between shape and environmental variables
Friday 9th - Classes from 09:30 to 17:30
- Expanding the basic workflow: elements of phylogenetic comparative analyses
- Review and open discussion
- Presentation of attendees' analyses on their own data
Packages available:
- Course-only (430 euros VAT incl.) includes all course materials and coffee breaks;
- All-inclusive (695 euros VAT incl.) includes all course materials, coffee breaks, accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
The full list of our courses and Workshops: https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/
