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Measuring Size and Area of Digitized Specimens using ImageJ

Author(s): Elissa Suphapun Sorojsrisom1, Janice L. Krumm2, Paula A Trillo3

1. Columbia University 2. Widener University 3. Gettysburg College

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Summary:
Use ImageJ to analyze morphological characters in digital images of natural history specimens. Skills are transferable to many organisms and other morphological measurements.

Licensed under CC Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International according to these terms

Version 1.0 - published on 07 Jun 2022 doi:10.25334/P8QG-AB71 - cite this

Description

INTRODUCTION

In this activity, students will learn to measure morphological characters using the open access program ImageJ. Students will practice using essential ImageJ tools as they analyze wing size, wing spot areas, and wing apex melanization in images of Pieris rapae, the cabbage white butterfly. While a single species is used in this example, the image analysis skills learned are transferable to other organisms and other morphological measurements. This resource can be used as part of the implementation of a BCEENET CURE, or as a standalone guide for introducing students to specimen analysis using ImageJ.

Intended AudienceUndergraduate, all levels. Suitable for in-person, hybrid, or online courses in biology or environmental science.

Learning Time: Flexible, 2-3 hours

Required Resources: Access to computers and the open access program ImageJ

 

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Interpret images of Pieris rapae to determine suitability for image analysis 
  • Practice using several measurement tools (line, fixed angle line, wand, versatile wand) in ImageJ
  • Gather data on wing size, spot area, and apex melanization of P. rapae specimens
     

CURRICULUM MATERIALS PROVIDED

  • Instructor Guide
  • Installing ImageJ and Tools
  • Fixed Angle Line Tool macro file (.ijm)
  • Measuring Wing Size using ImageJ
  • Measuring Wing Spot Area using ImageJ
  • Measuring Apex Melanization using ImageJ
  • Image Analysis Assignment Spreadsheet
  • Image Analysis Assignment Key

 

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