title: High-resolution computed tomography reconstructions of invertebrate burrow systems.
abstract: The architecture of biogenic structures can be highly influential in determining species contributions to major soil and sediment processes, but detailed 3-D characterisations are rare and descriptors of form and complexity are lacking. Here we provide replicate high-resolution micro-focus computed tomography (μ-CT) data for the complete burrow systems of three co-occurring, but functionally contrasting, sediment-dwelling inter-tidal invertebrates assembled alone, and in combination, in representative model aquaria. These data (≤ 2,000 raw image slices aquarium(-1), isotropic voxel resolution, 81 μm) provide reference models that can be used for the development of novel structural analysis routines that will be of value within the fields of ecology, pedology, geomorphology, palaeobiology, ichnology and mechanical engineering. We also envisage opportunity for those investigating transport networks, vascular systems, plant rooting systems, neuron connectivity patterns, or those developing image analysis or statistics related to pattern or shape recognition. The dataset will allow investigators to develop or test novel methodology and ideas without the need to generate a complete three-dimensional computation of exemplar architecture.
authors.affiliation: Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way , Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5079-5954
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hale
authors.affiliation: University of Southampton, Engineering and the Environment, Highfield , Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Boardman
authors.affiliation: University of Southampton, Engineering and the Environment, Highfield , Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
authors.forename: Mark N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Mavrogordato
authors.affiliation: University of Southampton, Engineering and the Environment, Highfield , Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.affiliation: University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Science, Norwich Research Park , Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
authors.forename: Trevor J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Tolhurst
authors.affiliation: Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way , Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9924-5574
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Solan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007448:Invertebrates; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed