Fusing osteology with virtual reality - Three dimensional morphological differences between harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and ringed seal (Phoca hispida)

Sammanfattning: Seal remains, especially the harp seal is a common find from Stone Age settlements in the Baltic basin. The presence and disappearance of harp seal form the Baltic Sea is an interesting and widely discussed topic. Seal bones are quite easy determined to family (Phocidae), but more difficult to determine to species. Morphological differences between harp seal and ringed seal has been discussed by several researchers and line drawings has been made to illustrate the criteria for species determination. The aim of this study is to improve the ability to identify two species of seals - harp seal and ringed seal based on three dimensional visualisations and create a database with 3D models that could be used in further studies. The seal bone scanning and 3D modelling was carried out to visualise the morphological differences between these two species. The mandible (mandibula), the shoulder blade (scapulae), the upper arm (humerus), bones of the lower arm (radius/ulna), metacarpal I (metacarpus), hip bone (coxae), the thigh bone (femora), os cruris of the lower leg (tibia/fibula = os cruris), metatarsal I (metatarsus) from left side of an adult, male harp seal and ringed seal were scanned. The results from this study show the great potential that involve the 3D model use within osteology. The morphological differences between harp seal and ringed seal are clearly visible in 3D models. The open access of 3D models include a considerable scope for different modifications with this material, thereby facilitating zooarchaeological research, as well as serving for educational purposes.