Three-Dimensional Modeling of Cranium in Seagulls (Laridae spp.)

This study was performed to investigate osteometrical measurements of cranium in seagulls and to compare it with other birds. In this study, 15 cranium samples from dead seagulls were used without considering sex and species differences. Craniums seperated from the body by the method of dissection were scanned with a 64-slice computer tomography (CT) device. Results from CT were modelled in three-dimension (3D) format and osteometrical measurements were performed on the 3D models. Results were evaluated statistically and Multi Detector Computed Tomography results for the Laridae family showed significantly related results (P<0.01 and P<0.05). The results of the study provided reference measurements for better understanding the cranium anatomy and facilitating taxonomical classification of seagulls. The study might also be a useful additional resource in regards to currently limited literature on seagull cranium anatomy