CT Scans of Two Woolly Mammoth Calves from Siberian Permafrost

Comprising computed tomography (CT) scan data from two female woolly mammoth neonates, Lyuba and Khroma, found in Siberian permafrost. The scans provide detailed 3D information on skeletal development, dentition, and the post-mortem formation of vivianite mineral nodules. The data enables comparative osteological analysis and 3D modeling of complex anatomical structures.

Use Cases

• Segment CT data to map the distribution of vivianite mineral nodules within Lyuba's cranium and long bones.
• Compare developmental stages by 3D modeling and measuring segmented long bones from the two mammoths of different ages.
• Analyze density gradients in CT scans of long bones and foot bones to identify ossification centers.
• Segment the braincase from Khroma's CT data to model brain morphology and compare its volume (~2,300 cm³) to neonate elephants.

Strengths

• Data originates from the two most complete mammoth specimens known.
• CT scans provide high-resolution 3D information on skeletal and dental anatomy.
• Includes comparative metrics, such as a brain volume measurement of ~2,300 cm³.

Limitations

• Dataset is limited to only two individual specimens.
• Sample data and specific file formats are not described in the input.
• The CT data for Lyuba reflects postmortem changes not present in Khroma.

Provenance

Source

Daniel C. Fisher

Collection Method

CT scanning of preserved mammoth specimens.

Time Range

Specimens are prehistoric; data published in 2020.

Freshness

Last updated in June 2020.

Geography

Siberian Arctic (Yamal Peninsula and northern Yakutia).