Geometric morphometrics for the study of facial expressions in non-human animals, using the domestic cat as an exemplar.

ABSTRACT: Facial expression is a common channel for the communication of emotion. However, in the case of non-human animals, the analytical methods used to quantify facial expressions can be subjective, relying heavily on extrapolation from human-based systems. Here, we demonstrate how geometric morphometrics can be applied in order to overcome these problems. We used this approach to identify and quantify changes in facial shape associated with pain in a non-human animal species. Our method accommodates individual variability, species-specific facial anatomy, and postural effects. Facial images were captured at four different time points during ovariohysterectomy of domestic short haired cats (n = 29), with time points corresponding to varying intensities of pain. Images were annotated using landma

SUBMITTER: Finka LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6614427 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature