Skeletochronology

rdf:langString Skeletochronology

rdf:langString Skeletochronology is a technique used to determine the individual, chronological ages of vertebrates by counting lines of arrested, annual growth, also known as LAGs, within Skeletal tissues. Within the annual bone growth specimens, there are broad and narrow lines. Broad lines represent the growth period and narrow lines represent a growth pause. These narrow lines are what characterises one growth year, therefore make it suitable to determine the age of the specimen. Not all bones grow at the same rate and the individual growth rate of a bone changes over a lifetime, therefore periodic growth marks can take irregular patterns. This indicates significant chronological events in an individual's life. The use of bone as a biomaterial is useful in investigating structure-property relationships. In addition to current research in skeletochronology, the ability of bone to adapt and change its structure to the external environment provides potential for further research in bone histomorphometry in the future. Amphibians and Reptiles are commonly aged determined, using this method, because they undergo discrete annual activity cycles such as winter dormancy or metamorphosis, however it cannot be used for all species of bony animals. The different environmental and biological factors that influence bone growth and development can become a barrier in determining age as a complete record may be rare.