Shape outline extraction software (DiaOutline) for elliptic Fourier analysis application in morphometric studies

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Studies of plant cell and organ outline using shape analysis for taxonomic and morphological research have increased in the past decade. However, there are a limited number of available modern, intuitive, and easy software tools to conduct this work. METHODS: We developed a tool for shape outline extraction using MATLAB accompanied with R scripts to perform elliptic Fourier analysis. To demonstrate the shape tool, we applied the software and scripts for genera and species shape determinations of diatom (single cell) species with x‐, y‐, and x‐ + y‐shape symmetries. RESULTS: Using the shape analysis tool, we were able to identify and distinguish different diatom taxa based on forms representing size diminutions associated with population changes. DISCUSSION: Independent of symmetry, species were successfully distinguished using supervised and unsupervised analyses. We hope that these shape analysis tools will be used to add another metric to plant science studies.