Project Description
This project will investigate fluctuating asymmetry in the primate pelvis using a Rhesus macaque skeletal collection to quantify environmental influences on the phenotype. This project will serve as a pilot study for a larger project looking at gene-environment interactions, with the aim of better understanding the genotype-to-phenotype map by parsing out proximate versus ultimate mechanisms of phenotypic variation. Overall, the goal is to look at the processes affecting the primate pelvis to gain insights into potential evolutionary constraints on this functional region. The current project will investigate fluctuating asymmetry by first scanning the pelves of ~40 Rhesus macaques using an Artec Space Spider 3D handheld laser scanner to create digital models of the bones of each pelvis. The second data collection phase will include collecting 3D coordinate landmark data from the digital models using the Stratovan Checkpoint software program, using a landmark protocol I have previously developed. The final stage will include evaluating asymmetric variation using Procrustes ANOVA in the software program MorphoJ and calculating a composite index and other summary data.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The student will be responsible for scanning the left and right ossa coxae and sacrum of ~40 Rhesus macaques from the UW Madison Zoological Museum using the Artec Space Spider 3D handheld scanner and creating digital models of each. They will also use the Stratovan Checkpoint software program to place landmarks on the digital models and export those coordinate data for future analyses. They will assist in data analyses using the MorphoJ software program and in compiling summary data and interpreting results. The student will also be responsible for articulating hypotheses and predictions for the study and maintaining the skeletal specimens while on loan from Madison.
Desired Qualifications
None listed.