Application of Shape Analyses to Recording Structures of Marine Organisms for Stock Discrimination and Taxonomic Purposes

Morphometric analysis of biogenic recording structures within marine organisms has applications in stock assessment, taxonomics, and ecomorphological studies, with shape variation markedly influenced by both genetics the surrounding environment. Geometric morphometrics (GM) is an alternative approach to “traditional” method collecting linear measurements applying multivariate statistical methods these data. Landmark- outline-based GM are suggested have several advantages over method. Due increasing popularity modern literature, this chapter first compares different morphometric techniques, then reviews applied structures, a focus on analyses. It clear that outline become popular for such as otoliths, particularly purpose distinguishing between population components. However, other beaks technique only its early stages application more difficult apply but shows great promise future studies. The using holistic approach, incorporating techniques including identification purposes discussed.