Research Techniques


The Evolutionary Functional Morphology lab uses many different techniques. We try to use whatever tools are best at addressing the questions we are interested in. We use a variety of techniques, equipment, and analyses to collect and analyze data. The lists below are by no means complete and should be used simply to give an idea of the types of things done by the lab.

Techniques
  • Whole-organism performance
  • Kinematics of movement
  • Morphometrics and image analysis
  • Niche use and field ecology
  • Manipulative expriments
  • Behavioral observations
  • Studies of growth
  • Phylogenetic reconstruction
Equipment
  • High-speed video cameras
  • Digital cameras and camcorders
  • Incubators
  • Dissecting microscopes
  • Burrowing force meter
  • X-ray video
  • High performance computers
  • Amphibian and Reptile rearing facilities
Analyses
  • Uni- and bivariate statistics
  • Multivariate statistics
  • Phylogenetic/comparative statistics
  • Model-based statistics
  • Video digitization and smoothing
  • Phylogenetic reconstruction

Callisaurus draconoides ready for video recording Dr. Bergmann using a racetrack Lizard X-ray
Measuring Burrowing Force Muscle dissection C-arm fluoroscope for High-Speed X-ray Video

 

© 2005-2016 Philip J. Bergmann | Updated 3.4.2016