ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - A - THE TIGER (Panthera tigris)

[tigerluver]

Much, much thanks for the in depth description. I will have to read it another dozen times at least in the coming days. Though, in order to better help me visualize, I have a few questions. By upper skull, you are referring to the cranium, lacking the mandible, correct? By scale, are you referring to sliding scale that has similar mechanics to the caliper?

Moreover, when measuring GTL, you stated you have the skull upright, with the skull on the lap. If I am understanding this correctly, the scale was positioned between the two points of interest. You then brought the skull up to the table for the measurement. Now, relative to the table, how does the skull positioning look exactly? I'm having trouble seeing it, as I have the Christiansen method currently engraved in my head. When I think compensate for the angle, I think "method b's" positioning. 

I'll have more questions about the method specifically, but I first need to grasp these points. 

Now beyond your method specifically, how compatible do you think skull measurements from different literature are? I feel some authors have taken the idea of "greatest length" to be that when the canines are angling the skull relative to the plane below, as this position does produce in essence the "greatest" length if taken literally. I'm very certain vK has done this. Then, there's Christiansen. If he truly did measure the skull as he has shown, CN5698 would have an angled, vK style CBL of around 375 mm, which seems too large. My direct interest in this issue at the moment is how it affects my equations and all current weight estimates. Depending on the "measurer," a skull length may be inflated.

I understand the benefits/convenience of digital measuring. It might also provide a way for a level playing field between literature. At the same time, I agree that you can't beat an in person measurement if the option is available. Reply