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

• Published in: Journal of Analytical Science and Technology
• Main Authors: Rooij, J. (Jimmy) de, Vintges, Marleen Q., Zuidwijk, Thim, Heerkens, Carel T. H., Schulp, A. (Anne)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: General Physics and Astronomy; General Environmental Science; General Biochemistry; Genetics and Molecular Biology; General Materials Science; General Chemistry; Roughness; Surfaces; Taphonomy; Topography; Bone; Ontogeny; Digital microscopy; Canada; Branta canadensis; Canada Goose
• Online Access: https://repository.naturalis.nl/pub/800368; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40543-023-00413-1

Identifcation of ontogenetic age classes plays an important role in the felds of zoology, palaeontology and archaeology, where accurate age classifcations of (sub)fossil remains are a crucial component for the reconstruction\nof past life. Textural ageing\xe2\x80\x94the identifcation of age-related bone surface textures\xe2\x80\x94provides a size-independent\nmethod for age assessment of vertebrate material. However, most of the work so far is limited to qualitative results.\nWhile qualitative approaches provide helpful insights on textural ageing patterns, they are heavily subject to observer\nbias 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\nbones of the grey heron (Ardea cinerea) and the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) using internationally verifed\nroughness 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 diferent\nontogenetic classes and closely followed the typical sigmoidal animal growth curve. Our results show that bone\ntexture quantifcation is a feasible approach to identifying ontogenetic age classes.