Graptoloidea Specimens Imaging Dataset
NetID: zz332
Name: Zaolin Zhang
Summary
This dataset offers a detailed examination of Graptoloidea specimens, featuring attributes like image file paths, suborder, infraorder, family (including subfamily), tagged species names, geological stages, mean age values, and locality details (with coordinates and horizon information), complemented by original reference citations for each specimen. It serves as a comprehensive resource for paleontological research, emphasizing morphological and stratigraphic analysis of these ancient colonial animals.
Supported Tasks
- Paleontological Analysis and Classification: Utilizing the dataset for detailed classification of Graptoloidea species, including sorting by suborder, infraorder, and family. Fundamental for researchers in paleontology to understand evolutionary trends and species distinctions.
- Age Estimation and Stratigraphic Correlation: Leveraging mean age values and stage data to estimate the geological age of specimens and correlate them with stratigraphic layers. Crucial for geologists and paleontologists in mapping the geological timeline and understanding the Earth's history.
- Geographical Distribution Study: Analyzing locality data to study the geographical distribution and migration patterns of Graptoloidea species. Can reveal insights into ancient ecological conditions and biogeographic events.
- Morphological Analysis: Using the provided specimen images for morphological studies, enabling the identification of unique features and variations within the Graptoloidea order. Important for taxonomic classification and evolutionary studies.
- Data-Driven Paleobiology: Applying machine learning and statistical methods to uncover patterns and relationships in Graptoloidea evolution, diversity, and extinction events.
- Morphometric Analysis: Employing image processing techniques to measure and analyze morphological features of the specimens, such as length, shape, branching patterns, and other key characteristics.
- Virtual Reconstruction and 3D Modeling: Using specimen images to create detailed 3D models of Graptoloidea for virtual reality experiences, aiding in both research and educational endeavors.
- Educational and Outreach Tools: Developing interactive tools and applications for educational purposes, using specimen images to engage and teach students and the public about Graptoloidea and paleontology.
- Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Projects: Allowing citizen scientists to access and annotate the images, contributing to data collection and analysis efforts.
Data Fields
suborder(string): Suborder of the graptoloidea.infraorder(string): Infraorder of the graptoloidea.family(string): Family of the graptoloidea (with subfamily).tagged species name(string): The tagged name for the graptoloidea.image(string): File path for the image file.stage(string): Which period is this graptoloidea in.mean age value(float): About how long has this specimen lasts.locality(str): Where found the specimen (with longitude, latitude, and horizon).reference(str): Who first publish this specimen.
Methodology
- Data Collection: Source link: Zenodo Record
- Data Converting: Convert data to CSV.
- Data Extract: Extract all photos to appear exactly once for 1 specimen with a scale bar.
- Column Emerging: Merge some columns so that the dataset is more concise (like merge subfamily with family, merge longitude, latitude, horizon with locality).
Bias, Risks, and Limitations
- Technological and Methodological Constraints: Utility is tied to current state of paleontological methodologies and technologies. Future advancements might necessitate reevaluation.
- External Environmental Factors: Might not fully account for the environmental conditions under which the specimens lived or were fossilized.
- Imaging and Interpretation Limitations: Quality and resolution of specimen images can vary, affecting morphological analyses. Interpretations based on images are subject to observer's expertise and bias.