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The oVert Thematic Collections Network Project ID: 000368762 Public
17059 Media · 10612 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.

Filtering by: Organization FLMNH Division of Mammals Remove constraint Organization: FLMNH Division of Mammals
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List of media items in this team
  ID Part Object Taxonomy Type Date Added Publication Status  
000486267 Whole body UF:Mammals:20559 Atelerix albiventris Volumetric Image Series 2022-12-01 Open Download  
000476303 whole body UF:Mammals:9818 Desmodus rotundus Mesh 2022-10-20 Open Download  
000476294 Forelimb UF:Mammals:9818 Desmodus rotundus Mesh 2022-10-20 Open Download  
000457044 Mandible UF:Mammals:26153 Neofelis nebulosa Mesh 2022-08-17 Open Download  
000448792 mandible UF:Mammals:26153 Neofelis nebulosa Photogrammetry Image Series 2022-07-01 Open Download  
000448789 mandible UF:Mammals:26153 Neofelis nebulosa Photogrammetry Image Series 2022-07-01 Open Download  
000445804 whole body UF:Mammals:9818 Desmodus rotundus Volumetric Image Series 2022-06-03 Open Download  
000435725 Skull UF:Mammals:32873 Lontra canadensis Volumetric Image Series 2022-04-19 Open Download  
000435720 Skull UF:Mammals:32848 Lontra canadensis Volumetric Image Series 2022-04-19 Open Download  
000435709 Skull UF:Mammals:32827 Lontra canadensis Volumetric Image Series 2022-04-19 Open Download  
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