Conventions on Nomenclature and Practices

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the standards and conventions related to the measurement of femur length in the life sciences, particularly in the context of distinguishing between species. Participants explore the existence of professional standards groups and the variability in measurement protocols across different animal groups.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is a professional standards group, such as IUPAB, that recommends practices and nomenclature in life sciences, specifically regarding the definition of femur length.
  • Another participant suggests that standard measurements of femur length may vary significantly between different animal groups, referencing various links for different types of mammals.
  • A third participant expresses concern about the lack of a definitive answer regarding standard measurement protocols.
  • One participant advises using the measurement methods employed by original researchers in relevant papers or defining a personal method, emphasizing the importance of internal consistency in data analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the existence of a universal standard for femur length measurement, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding measurement protocols in different contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the availability of standardized definitions and measurement protocols, as well as the dependence on specific animal groups and the variability in methodologies used by researchers.

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Google "IUPAB" and get http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...nion+of+pure+and+applied+biology"&btnG=Search , a short list indicating very little activity.

Is there some sort of professional standards group recommending practices and nomenclature in the life science fields?

The specific question I have is, "Is there a 'standard' definition of femur length?" See http://www.loris-conservation.org/d...easurement/11a-figures_limb_measurements.html ,
"Leg measurements, primate standard, according to Schultz, 1929:

Thigh length (length of femur): from trochanterium summum to femorale, parallel to the longitudinal axis of femur.
Ischium-knee (Osman Hill, Phillips 1932). No exact definition given."

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There's ~5% difference in the two measurements which is the difference between two species between which I'm trying to distinguish, and my references don't specify a measurement protocol, hence the question about IUPAB; is there a "convention" that is understood by people in the life sciences that I can "safely" assume?
 
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That's what I was afraid of --- the "no."
 
You've already reasearched cladistic values for your species - ie., since you "know" there is a 5% difference, use the method the original researchers used in papers you must have already read.

Or define your own method, unless you're going to compare your data to someone elses'. As long as you are internally consistent your data analysis will be acceptable for use amongst the species you study.