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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.

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List of media items in this team
  ID Part Object Taxonomy Type Date Added Publication Status  
000033149 ansp:fish:200544 Compsaraia samueli Volumetric Image Series 2017-09-11 Restricted Download  
000424668 whole body KU:KUI:23737 Ophiodon elongatus Volumetric Image Series 2022-02-23 Restricted Download  
000422975 head ANSP:FISH:140405 Blachea xenobranchialis Volumetric Image Series 2022-02-17 Restricted Download  
000080341 head ansp:fish:200334 Typhlobelus auriculatus Volumetric Image Series 2019-06-12 Restricted Download  
000437788 head UF:Fish:241514 Wallago attu Volumetric Image Series 2022-04-29 Open Download  
000369468 Head MCZ:Herp:R-193331 Cordylosaurus subtessellatus Volumetric Image Series 2021-07-05 Restricted Download  
000365715 skeleton MCZ:Herp:A-6075 Elachistocleis ovalis Volumetric Image Series 2021-06-02 Restricted Download  
000363996 whole body UF:Herp:104034 Phrynopus thompsoni Volumetric Image Series 2021-05-18 Restricted Download  
000533257 diceCT VIMS:fish:42878 Taxonomy indet. Volumetric Image Series 2023-06-27 Open Download  
000375548 skeleton MCZ:Ich:32818 Zoogoneticus zonistius Volumetric Image Series 2021-08-05 Restricted Download  
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