Dear Zooarchers,
We are pleased to announce the addition of *five* new sets of 3D comparative skeleton models, available for free download on our institute website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/evolution/files/downloads.htm
The new additions include:
- *complete* skeleton of a subadult male Panthera leo (from Kruger Park, South Africa)
- *complete* skeleton of Homo sapiens (modern adult male from Asia)
- *complete* skeleton of European Cervus elaphus (adult male)
- *nearly complete* skeleton of Alces alces (adult)
- *partial* hyaena skeleton (exact species unknown)
As many of you know, we have posted 2 rounds of 3D models for download in 2009 and 2010. Thus far, we have models of Rangifer tarandus (2 individuals); Ammotragus lervia; Equus caballus; Capra ibex; Gazella gazella (2 individuals); Castor fiber; Canis lupus.
All of the 3D model sets are available in PDF. Instead of single files for each skeletal element, we have combined single skeletal elements into one larger file for each skeletal portion. If you prefer single PDFs for each element, you can “extract” each page as a separate file in Acrobat Professional.
You need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 8.0 or higher to use the 3D capabilities. Because some of the models are a bit dark, we recommend changing the lighting: go to the 3D menu bar > enable extra lighting > bright lights.
Note: you must fill in a short registration form online before downloading. It’s just a formality so that we know who is looking at our webpage. Keep in mind that you must register *every time* you want to download, even if you already registered. Admittedly, this is inconvenient, but it is how our media department manages downloads. So if you think you might want all of the animal taxa on our list, download them in one go.
More information on methods and equipment used in this project can be found at the following link:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/evolution/files/faunal_comparative_collection.htm
and in our publication:
Niven L, TE Steele, H Finke, T Gernat and J-J Hublin. 2009. Virtual skeletons: using a structured light scanner to create a 3D faunal comparative collection. Journal of Archaeological Science 36:2018-2023.
We hope you find these useful for your research and fieldwork!
Laura Niven, Teresa Steele, Hannes Finke
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