Abstract
Fourier analysis of shape provides a unique means of studying morphologic variation of bivalves, especially in terms of their evolution and autecology. Amplitude spectra resulting from analysis may be refined, summarized, and further evaluated by a series of statistical measures designed to extract the maximum amount of information from outline features. Root mean square error comparison of harmonics, combined with a modified analysis of variance design and Snedecor's F-test, permits identification of significant amplitudes. Intra- and interspecific variation may be expressed as variance about mean power estimates derived from significant amplitudes for each species. Variance estimates of 14 species of heterodont bivalves indicate that venerid bivalves show considerably more intraspecific shape variability than do tellinid species. In both groups, however, species characterized by more elongate shells show less intraspecific variability. Evolutionary and environmental implications of interspecific shape variance in bivalves suggest that future comprehensive examination of specimens, collected in situ, may be fruitful.
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Gevirtz, J.L. Fourier analysis of bivalve outlines: Implications on evolution and autecology. Mathematical Geology 8, 151–163 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01079032
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01079032