Sexual analysis in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) neurocranium using geometric morphometric methods

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain morphometric data by applying geometric analysis to the neurocranium of the turkey and to statistically reveal the differences between males and females using these data. In the present study, 14 (7 males, 7 females) turkey skulls were used. The neurocrania of the samples were photographed and put into an electronic environment to be marked. Neurocrania were examined from 4 different regions (caudal, ventral, dorsal, and lateral). Compared to PC1 obtained in dorsal sampling, the difference between points 9 and 10 and 3 to 2 was significantly higher in males. Caudal examination showed that male samples were wider laterally. In ventral measurements, it was seen that points 3 and 7 in the male were more anterior and point 1 was more posterior. The lateral area was seen to be higher in females and longer in the anterior-posterior direction in males. The greatest statistical difference was seen in landmark 4 (middle point of foramen magnum's dorsal margin), obtained as a result of caudal geometric analysis (P < 0.001). The conditions of the points determined in this study in comparison with each other were determined in the coordinate system, and the differences were revealed. Geometric analysis was done in 4 different views, and statistical values were determined for sex differences in the landmarks used.