The X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) workflow enables precise and accurate measurement of the 3D skeletal kinematics underlying animal behaviors. The dynamic endocast method built upon that workflow to measure the rate of volume change within a bounded region of interest. We measured the precision and accuracy of the dynamic endocast method, using a fish oropharyngeal cavity as a case study. Despite overestimating instantaneous absolute volume, the endocast method was found to measure rate of volume change with high accuracy. Importantly, it underestimated the rate of volume change, indicating that these measurements are conservative. We tested how variables such as alpha value and locator number impacted the accuracy of the endocast method. While the appropriate values for these variables are likely different for each application of the endocast method, we believe that our conclusions that the dynamic endocast method underestimates change in volume is generalizable.
Precision and accuracy of the dynamic endocast method for measuring volume changes in XROMM studies
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Award Id(s): BB/ R011109/1
- Funder(s):
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Division of Integrative Organismal Systems
- Award Id(s): 1655756
- Funder(s):
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- Award Id(s): 1644760
- Funder(s):
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Bushnell Research and Education Fund
- Funder(s):
Elska B. Kaczmarek, Ellen Y. Li, John G. Capano, Peter L. Falkingham, Stephen M. Gatesy, Elizabeth L. Brainerd, Ariel L. Camp; Precision and accuracy of the dynamic endocast method for measuring volume changes in XROMM studies. J Exp Biol 2025; jeb.249420. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.249420
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Reflections on a year of supporting and promoting our early-career researchers

In this Editorial, editors Patricia Wright, Michaela Handel and Craig Franklin reflect on what JEB has done over the last year to support and promote the future of comparative physiology and biomechanics – our inspiring early-career researchers – through workshops, grants, special issues and award sponsorship.
Thanking our reviewers in 2024
A big thank you to everyone who reviewed for JEB in 2024.
Ecophysiological responses to heat waves in the marine intertidal zone

Heat waves are intensifying with climate change and intertidal zones are the only ecosystem to experience both atmospheric and marine heat waves. In this Review, Jonathon Stillman and colleagues highlight the physiological impacts of heat waves on intertidal organisms, including effects on mortality, plasticity and adaptation.
Snakes require super-stretchy neck skin to consume massive mouthfuls

Some snakes are capable of gulping down meals that are far larger than their heads in a single mouthful and now Jarrod Petersen, Lucy Campbell and Thomas Roberts show that super-stretchy neck skin is likely one of the key factors that allowed boa constrictors and egg-eating snakes to evolve this extraordinary feat.
Sensory perception in a changing world – join us in Liverpool in March 2025

We are excited to invite you to a unique scientific conference, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of The Company of Biologists, and bringing together our different communities. The conference will incorporate the JEB Symposium Sensory Perception in a Changing World and the SEB satellite meeting. Find out more and register to join us in March 2025 in Liverpool, UK. Register by 28 February 2025.