Morphometrics is the branch of
mathematics concerned with the
metrical and
statistical properties of shapes and changes in shapes. It is applied to the study of
geometric objects, such as
molecules,
fossils, brains, bird
wings, ancient handcraft, modern cars, etc.
The numerical methods used in morphometric research are very advanced, and include various oridination procedures (Canonical Correlation Analysis, Principal Components Analysis, Relative Warps Analysis, Thin-plate splines, Fourier Analysis, Fractal Analysis, etc.).
In biology it can be used to examine or create taxonomic classifications, or examine such life history questions as pertain to phenotypic plasticity, and adaptation. It can also be applied in chemistry and engineering, and has been used to help render manufacturing processes more efficient.