Quantification of bone surface textures: exploring a new method of ontogenetic ageing

Journal of Analytical Science & Technology, vol. 14

Abstract

Abstract Identification of ontogenetic age classes plays an important role in the fields of zoology, palaeontology and archaeology, where accurate age classifications of (sub)fossil remains are a crucial component for the reconstruction of past life. Textural ageing—the identification of age-related bone surface textures—provides a size-independent method for age assessment of vertebrate material. However, most of the work so far is limited to qualitative results. While qualitative approaches provide helpful insights on textural ageing patterns, they are heavily subject to observer bias and fall short of quantitative data relevant for detailed statistical analyses and cross-comparisons. Here, we present a pilot study on the application of 3D surface digital microscopy to quantify bone surface textures on the long bones of the grey heron (Ardea cinerea) and the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) using internationally verified roughness parameters. Using a standardised measuring protocol, computed roughness values show a strong correlation with qualitative descriptions of textural patterns. Overall, higher roughness values correspond to increased numbers of grooves and pits and vice versa. Most of the roughness parameters allowed distinguishing between different ontogenetic classes and closely followed the typical sigmoidal animal growth curve. Our results show that bone texture quantification is a feasible approach to identifying ontogenetic age classes.

Authors 5

1. Jimmy de Rooij corresponding Aachen Naturalis Biodiversity Center

   Naturalis Biodiversity Center · Utrecht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8A, 3584 CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands

   Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Marleen Q. Vintges Aachen Faculty of Science Institute of Biology, Leiden University Naturalis Biodiversity Center

   Leiden University · Naturalis Biodiversity Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands

   Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Thim Zuidwijk

   Delft University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Imaging Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ, Delft, The Netherlands

4. C. Th. H. Heerkens

   Delft University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Imaging Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ, Delft, The Netherlands

5. Anne S. Schulp Aachen Naturalis Biodiversity Center

   Naturalis Biodiversity Center · Utrecht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8A, 3584 CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands

   Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands