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The oVert Thematic Collections Network Project ID: 000368762 Public
17056 Media · 10611 Specimens · Creator: Blackburn, David · Managed by: David Blackburn , Edward Stanley, Jaimi Gray

The oVert (openVertebrate) Thematic Collection Network (TCN) generates and serves high-resolution digital three-dimensional data for internal anatomy across vertebrate diversity. At a network of digitization centers across the US, we have CT-scaned >13,000 fluid-preserved specimens representing >80% of the living genera of vertebrates. This provides broad coverage for exploration and research on all major groups of vertebrates. We have also generated contrast-enhanced scans to reveal soft tissues and organs for a majority of the living vertebrate families. This collection of digital imagery and three-dimensional volumes is open for exploration, download, and use to address questions related to the discovery of new species, documenting patterns of anatomical diversity and growth, and testing hypotheses of function and evolution. These new media provide unprecedented global access to valuable specimens in US museum collections. Our network of leading US vertebrate collections has developed best practices and guidelines for high-throughput CT-scanning, including efficient workflows, preferred resolutions, and archival formats that optimize the variety of downstream applications. We train museum specialists on the generation, curation, and distribution of 3D data, researchers in using 3D anatomical data, and high school and undergraduate students in the tools for creating 3D anatomical models. To drive the use of these digital specimens by K12 STEM educators, we have conducted teacher-driven workshops that generate freely available lesson plans focused on specific science standards that are based on digital and printed 3D models of specimens in US museum collections. Data generated by oVert serves as a catalyst for diverse research projects focused on understanding the vertebrate morphological diversity and dramatically increase the accessibility of specimens housed in US scientific collections. These anatomical phenotypes represent a common currency that facilitates integration across the fields of taxonomy, evolution, developmental biology, comparative physiology, functional anatomy, paleontology, and ecology. We use x-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to generate high-resolution digital anatomical data, represented as both 2D image stacks and 3D volumes and surfaces, distributed globally through the on-line data portal MorphoSource. With these 3D digital specimens, US and international research communities will be able to (1) diagnose, describe, and infer patterns of relationships among both living and extinct vertebrates, (2) test hypotheses of morphological evolution such as patterns of disparity, modularity, and phenotype-environment correlations, (3) develop structure-function models for testing hypotheses about morphological adaptations related to, e.g., feeding and locomotion, and (4) explore relationships between brain and nervous system anatomy and both sensory and musculoskeletal function. We will upgrade the interface and functionality of MorphoSource, an on-line data depository for 3D data of biological specimens, improving its capacity to explore media, capture standardized metadata, ingest legacy data from previous and existing projects, supply media information to data aggregators including iDigBio, and engage educators and students. We support training workshops both on-site at participating institutions and national society meetings of scientists and educators.

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  ID Part Object Taxonomy Type Date Added Publication Status  
000370115 body KU:KUH:166765 Gastrotheca walkeri Image 2021-07-12 Restricted Download  
000133905 head YPM:VZ:YPM ICH 003561 Pollachius pollachius Image 2020-07-21 Restricted Download  
000113492 Skull FMNH:Amphibians and Reptiles:218144 Pedostibes tuberculosus Image 2020-03-23 Restricted Download  
000086220 mandible MCZ:Mamm:44851 Indri indri Image 2019-09-11 Restricted Download  
000086217 cranium MCZ:Mamm:44851 Indri indri Image 2019-09-11 Restricted Download  
000085972 Skull sbu:1265 Brachyteles sp. Image 2019-09-05 Restricted Download  
000078749 wam:ichthyology:28981-004 Gen. sp. Image 2019-05-24 Open Download  
000078494 uwfc:adult collection:uw 003626 Image 2019-05-23 Open Download  
000078489 wam:ichthyology:27127-016 Image 2019-05-23 Open Download  
000075848 body UWFC:ADULT COLLECTION:UW 113337 Opisthoproctus soleatus Image 2019-04-22 Open Download  
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