Background 3D model of Thomomys bottae, rendering by Lizette Arroyo
Digitization PEN: Functional Quantitative Characters for Ecology and Evolution (FuncQEE)
Rodents make up 40% of all mammals on the planet and are found in virtually every terrestrial ecosystem, with species ranging from guinea pigs, to prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, flying squirrels, capybaras, lemmings, house mice, and sewer rats. Across this diversity, their bodies vary considerably in size and shape as they adapted to distinct habitats (e.g., Arctic tundra, grasslands, temperate and tropical forests), locomotion (e.g. terrestrial, arboreal, swimming, burrowing habits), feeding preferences (e.g., insectivores, granivores, herbivores, or generalists), and more. Given these vast differences, we propose to examine and quantify the characters found in this radiation of diversity throughout the rodent tree of life. We will use computed tomography (CT) scanning technology to develop 3D models of structural diversity of ~1,700 specimens of rodents which will then be available for free access to researchers and educators via the web, so they can use these materials for studies and lessons ranging from ecology to evolution, and physiology to biomedical applications. Our study targets less common species and their characters and brings together scientists and educators from Chicago State University, University of Michigan, University of New Mexico, University of Florida, and Sandia National Laboratory. We will train Master’s degree candidates and undergraduate students, including an effort to provide cutting edge opportunities in visualization and analytical approaches for underrepresented, first generation, and/or low-income students in science careers.
Stay tunes for updates... #getFuncQEE, #FuncQEE
Stay tunes for updates... #getFuncQEE, #FuncQEE
Collaborators- The FuncQEE Bunch
Noé U. de la Sancha- Assistant Professor at DePaul University and Research Associate at Field Museum.
Cody Thompson- Collections manager of Mammal Division at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
David C. Blackburn- Associate Curator of Herpetology Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida.
Bryan McLean- Assistant Professor at University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
Jonathan L. Dunnum- Senior Collection Manager Division of Mammals at Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico.
Joseph A. Cook- Professor of Biology, Curator of Mammals, and Curator of Genomic Resources at Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico.
Noé U. de la Sancha- Assistant Professor at DePaul University and Research Associate at Field Museum.
Cody Thompson- Collections manager of Mammal Division at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
David C. Blackburn- Associate Curator of Herpetology Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida.
Bryan McLean- Assistant Professor at University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
Jonathan L. Dunnum- Senior Collection Manager Division of Mammals at Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico.
Joseph A. Cook- Professor of Biology, Curator of Mammals, and Curator of Genomic Resources at Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico.
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Original raw data files for CT scans can be found at Morphosources.
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Press:
NSF grant brings Sandia scientists back to museum-based research
NSF grant to fund digitization of mammal collections at UNM's Museum of Southwestern Biology
Out of museum drawers and on to the internet: NSF digitization grant awarded for 3D renderings of mammal collections
NSF grant brings Sandia scientists back to museum-based research
NSF grant to fund digitization of mammal collections at UNM's Museum of Southwestern Biology
Out of museum drawers and on to the internet: NSF digitization grant awarded for 3D renderings of mammal collections