Application of multivariate morphometry to access the morphological variability in sauropod teeth
Keywords:
Multivariate statistics, Morphometric variables, Systematics, Dinosaurs, SauropodsAbstract
This study aims to explore and characterize the morphological variability
in sauropod teeth through multivariate statistics using Principal Component
Analysis (PCA), Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) and Cluster
analysis, and access the potential of these methods to classify them. We
analyzed a sample of spoon-shaped, spatula-shaped, and compressed conechisel-
shaped teeth. The apicobasal apex length, the total length of the distal
apex margin, and the total length of the mesial apex margin are identified
by PCAs as the most important variables affecting morphological variability.
The DFAs enabled to differentiate the morphospaces occupation of the
main sauropod groups analyzed (e.g., Camarasauridae, Turiasauria). Cluster
analysis allowed differentiate teeth with low from moderate to high SI. The
morphospaces of spoon-shaped, spatula-shaped, and compressed conechisel-
shaped teeth were differentiated, some showing a slight overlap. The
tooth wear seems to influence the obtained results, and teeth with moderate
or strong wear should be excluded in future analyses.
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