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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  
000100223 body AUM:Fish:66111 Calophysus macropterus Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100222 body AUM:Fish:63036 Hypophthalmus edentatus Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100221 body AUM:Fish:62934 Lithogenes villosus Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100218 body AUM:Fish:60916 Clupisoma garua Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100219 body AUM:Fish:62723 Rhamdia sp. Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100217 body AUM:Fish:60868 Ompok pabda Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100220 body AUM:Fish:62901 Helogenes marmoratus Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100215 body AUM:Fish:59600 Heterobranchus longifilis Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100216 body AUM:Fish:60238 Amblyceps mangois Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
000100213 body AUM:Fish:58148 Parauchenoglanis balayi Volumetric Image Series 2020-02-01 Open Download  
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