Research Training Program

Ben Salisbury
Yale College
New Haven, CT

Richard Thorington, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Vertebrate Zoology
Division of Mammals

"It's a magnificent program ."

Morphometric Analysis of Cranial Development in two species of Opossum

This project involved a morphometric study of bone growth in the crania of two species of opossum representing two genera which differ greatly in size. The species were chosen; specimens were located which represented the greatest possible age span and intermediates; landmark points on the skull were identified and digitalized in three dimensions; computer programs were revised to display the data and otherwise manipulate it; and finally the results were analyzed.

The project was designed to serve as a contrast to the similar work on various tree and ground squirrels done by the other interns and research assistants to Dr. Thorington. The use of various statistical techniques was also explored in order to determine their usefulness.

This research was supported by a grant from the Smithsonian Women's Committee.