Three Dimensional Analysis and Computer Modelling of Schooling Patterns of Pelagic Animals

该提案及其来自华盛顿卡内基研究所的同伴代表了一个单一的，合作的海洋科学仪器开发项目，以测试和评估新可用仪器的有用性，以研究远洋生物群体或群体中个体的适应性学校行为。通过使用现代三维视频图像系统的数字数据输出，并将这些数据应用于为x射线晶体学研究开发的三维数学模型，将对学校行为的原始和严格的数学分析进行测试。Hamner是一位颇有成就的行为生物学家，他和他在加州大学洛杉矶分校的同事将购买一个集数据分析和显示功能于一体的3-D录像系统。该系统的专用摄像机将进行改装，以适应水下使用。最初的视频工作将在一个大型水族馆完成，但最终计划在开放的海洋中与成群的生物一起使用。普鲁伊特是卡内基大学的一名熟练的晶体学家，他将获得一个兼容的计算机图形工作站，并修改现有的3d录像和自动图像运动分析软件，用于Hamner的数据。他们将合作开发数学模型和计算协议，以分析和研究学校教育和行为模式。x射线晶体学是研究晶体内原子、离子或分子的几何关系的学科。它们的几何形状可以是静态的或动态的，随机的或结构化的。统计分析已经发展到描述这些关系。动物也聚集在非随机的、动态的结构中，比如鱼群。x射线晶体学技术和统计分析方法可以转移到生物科学，以更好地了解鱼类和其他生物的鱼群行为的动力学和适应策略。如果这些不同领域之间的技术转让取得成功，不仅会对生态和行为研究产生积极影响，而且会对分析三维空间距离的其他海洋科学领域产生积极影响。

This proposal and its companion from the Carnegie Institution of Washington represent a single, collaborative ocean sciences instrumentation development project to test and evaluate the usefulness of newly available instrumentation to studying the adaptive schooling behavior of individuals within schools or groups of pelagic organisms. Original and rigorous mathematical analysis of schooling behavior will be tested by using digital data output from modern 3-dimensional video-graphic systems and applying this data to 3-D mathematical models developed for x-ray crystallographic studies. Hamner, who is an accomplished behavioral biologist, and his associates at UCLA will purchase a 3-D videographic system with an integrated data analysis and display capability. The system's specialized cameras will be modified for underwater use. Initial video work will be done in a large aquarium but eventual use with schooling organisms in the open ocean is planned. Pruitt, who is an skilled crystallographer at Carnegie will acquire a compatible computer graphic workstation and modify existing software for 3-D videography and automated image motion analysis for use with Hamner's data. They will collaborate to develop mathematical models and computational protocols to analyze and study schooling and behavioral patterns. X-ray crystallography is the discipline that studies the geometrical relationships of atoms, ions, or molecules within crystals. Their geometry may be static or dynamic, random or structured. Statistical analyses have been developed to describe these relationships. Animals also congregate in non-random, dynamic structures such as fish schools. X-ray crystallographic technology and statistical analysis methods may be transferable to biological sciences to better understand the dynamics and adaptive strategies of schooling behavior in fish and other organisms. Should the transfer of technologies between these different fields be successful, not only will there be a positive impact on ecological and behavioral studies, but other areas of ocean sciences that analyze distances in three-dimensional space.