Review

Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: August 23, 2026

Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology

Abstract

Geometric morphometrics has created a significant field in the study of skeletal variation in veterinary osteology by providing a robust framework for investigating shape variation. This technique allows for the analysis of anatomical structures in a variety of biological contexts. This review examines the extant literature, demonstrating how dietary consistency and biomechanical structure significantly shape and often lead to intergenerational morphological changes. The investigation further explores the function of locomotion strategies, including habitat preference and diversity, in the context of the skeletal system. The merits of geometric morphometric analysis are evident in its capacity to facilitate species identification and close relative discrimination in scenarios where conventional methods encounter constraints. The utilisation of geometric morphometric analysis offers distinct advantages in ontogenetic studies, allometric scaling in morphology, and the consideration of developmental constraints. Additionally, it provides a framework for investigating sexual dimorphism and variations in shape across varied species and anatomical regions. From a clinical and welfare perspective, geometric morphometrics provides a powerful framework for orthopaedic surgical planning, detection of pathological changes, phenotyping in animal models, and translational research. Finally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automation and high-resolution imaging is also being reviewed in studies. These developments position geometric morphometrics as an indispensable method for integrating form, function, and health in veterinary research.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

August 23, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

April 18, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 16, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Bakıcı, C., Szara, T., Kiliçli, İ. B., Güzel, B. C., Hadžiomerović, N., Batur, B., & Gündemir, O. (2026). Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.33988/auvfd.1932198
AMA
1.Bakıcı C, Szara T, Kiliçli İB, et al. Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology. Ankara Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.33988/auvfd.1932198
Chicago
Bakıcı, Caner, Tomasz Szara, İhsan Berat Kiliçli, et al. 2026. “Shape Speaks Loud: A Geometric Morphometric Perspective on Veterinary Osteology”. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, no. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.33988/auvfd.1932198.
EndNote
Bakıcı C, Szara T, Kiliçli İB, Güzel BC, Hadžiomerović N, Batur B, Gündemir O (August 1, 2026) Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi Advanced Online Publication
IEEE
[1]C. Bakıcı et al., “Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology”, Ankara Univ Vet Fak Derg, no. Advanced Online Publication, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.33988/auvfd.1932198.
ISNAD
Bakıcı, Caner - Szara, Tomasz - Kiliçli, İhsan Berat - Güzel, Barış Can - Hadžiomerović, Nedžad - Batur, Barış - Gündemir, Ozan. “Shape Speaks Loud: A Geometric Morphometric Perspective on Veterinary Osteology”. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi. Advanced Online Publication (August 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.33988/auvfd.1932198.
JAMA
1.Bakıcı C, Szara T, Kiliçli İB, Güzel BC, Hadžiomerović N, Batur B, Gündemir O. Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology. Ankara Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2026. doi:10.33988/auvfd.1932198.
MLA
Bakıcı, Caner, et al. “Shape Speaks Loud: A Geometric Morphometric Perspective on Veterinary Osteology”. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, no. Advanced Online Publication, Aug. 2026, doi:10.33988/auvfd.1932198.
Vancouver
1.Caner Bakıcı, Tomasz Szara, İhsan Berat Kiliçli, Barış Can Güzel, Nedžad Hadžiomerović, Barış Batur, Ozan Gündemir. Shape speaks loud: a geometric morphometric perspective on veterinary osteology. Ankara Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2026 Aug. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.33988/auvfd.1932198