Journal of Phylogenetics & Evolutionary Biology

Methods for Performing a Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis

Abstract

Willy Vidona* and Oviosun Aiol

Cranial dimensions and cranial indices are considered as simplest and most efficient way to indicate facial differences and age variations. Cranial morphology and dimensions are used to evaluate various aspects of growth and development thus helping in population differentiation. The aim of the study is to investigate the craniometric patterns in the Nigerian population based on three dimensional computed tomographic data, with the objectives of determining the age of individuals in the eastern part of Nigeria as well as determining if the skull of individual varies with age using computed tomography. Methodology involves a descriptive study design with age determined using standard ageing techniques. 150 dry adult human skulls cases (male and female both) constituted the material for the present study between age group of 25 - 60 years. Data were scanned in the radiology department and the CT data were processed in a computer workstation at the department. The CT scan acquisition was performed with 1.5 mm slice thickness and reconstruction was done with 1.0m 2m slice thickness. All the CT data were recorded using DICOM 3.0 as a medical image file format into CD-ROM.