There’s no clear difference between these terms in the sense of the manner in 
which they are used at present. Morphometry is sometimes represented as 
referring to the metrics (= measurements) of form or shape whereas 
morphometrics is sometimes used to refer to the set of numerical and statical 
procedures employed to make manifest and analyze patterns in such data. 
However, the obvious analogues of biometry/biometrics have been used to refer 
both to these same distinctions and to their opposites! Both morphometry and 
morphometrics are regarded as being nouns though morphometrics is obviously 
derived from an adjective (e.g.. morphometric analysis) via conversion to a 
collective plural. But still it could refer to a set of measurements or a set 
of methods. An etymologically interesting related question is whether the 
proper adjectival form is morphometric or morphometrical The former is much 
more common, but the latter is also seen on occasion. In the end both terms 
exist and I think their usage is best regarded as a matter of personal 
preference and style. So long as the manner in which these terms are being used 
is rendered obvious in context there should be little cause for confusion.

Norm MacLeod


> On 8 Sep 2016, at 11:04, Mauro Cavalcanti <[email protected]> wrote:
> 
> Dear Emma,
> 
> A truly nice question, to which I do not have an answer, but that also 
> incites my curiosity.
> 
> Anyway, from a purely subjective viewpoint, "morphometrics" sounds better to 
> me.
> 
> So this humble worker said... :-)
> 
> Salud!
> 
> --
> Dr. Mauro J. Cavalcanti
> E-mail: [email protected]
> Web: http://sites.google.com/site/maurobio
> 
> 
> Em 08/09/2016 02:01, "Emma Sherratt" <[email protected]> escreveu:
> Dear Morphmet-hive mind,
> 
> I've been curious for some time about the terms "morphometry" and 
> "morphometrics" and whether they are in fact interchangeable or quite 
> distinct. Also, is it related to the difference between phylogeny and 
> phylogenetics? 
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Emma
> 
> 
> 
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_____________________________________________________

Professor Norman MacLeod
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
(0)207 942-5204 (Office Landline)
(0)785 017-1787 (Mobile)
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/paleonet/MacLeod/

Department of Earth Sciences, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK

Nanjing Institute of Geology & Palaeontology,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, 39 Beijing, Donglu, Nanjing, China
_____________________________________________________








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