Morphometrics and Identification Systems

Research Focus

Based in the Herbarium, the aim of the unit is to further develop taxonomic computing and bioinformatics projects both within Kew and in collaboration with other UK and International partners. For example, the unit has been the main Kew point of contact with the SPICE project.

Current research is directed at the use of geometric morphometrics and multivariate techniques and their application to species delimitation and identification. The unit also manages projects including the XML markup of the African Floras (e.g. Flora Zambesiaca) and the development of computerised identification systems in SE Asia.

What is Morphometrics?

Morphometrics means, literally, "Form Measurement" and is the term applied to the analysis of measurements of, usually, biological material.

Useful links on the Kew web site

• Herbarium Digitisation
• Example Herbarium specimens from the Brazil repatrition project

Other Useful Links

Sites:

• http://algorithmicbotany.org/papers/
• Morphometrics at SUNY Stony Booke

Papers:

• http://www.lps.ens.fr/recherche/formes/papers/VenAngles.pdf
• http://amap.cirad.fr/PageChercheur/Pages/fichiers/pc_godin.htm

Software:

• DELTA
• Lucid